Canadian national to appear in court for historic child sexual assaults
A 40-year-old Ontario, Canada man will face court on four charges after an ACT Policing investigation into offences allegedly committed between 2008 and 2009, when the man was an ACT resident.
An investigation commenced in December 2021 when ACT Policing Criminal Investigations – Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Team (SACAT) received information alleging that the man had committed offences in 2008 against a girl, who was then aged 14.
On Sunday, 9 April 2023, police were notified that the man had re-entered Australia and a warrant was issued for his arrest in relation to the offences alleged by the initial complainant.
Last Wednesday (19 April, 2023) the man was arrested at Brisbane Airport by ACT Policing SACAT members assisted by AFP Brisbane Airport Uniformed Police.
The man appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday (20 April, 2023) where he was bailed to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Monday, 24 April 2023).
The man has been charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with a young person (above the age of 10 but under the age of 16 years), as well as single counts of using a child for the production of child pornography, and using the internet etc to deprave young people.
The investigation has identified further victims and police expect to lay more charges against the man as the investigation continues.
Operation Sydney’s investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information relating to this matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers from anywhere in Australia on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please refer to “AFP Operation Sydney” when providing information.
Police are urging any victims of sexual assault, including anyone who is aware of the creation, possession or distribution of child abuse material to report these criminal activities by attending a police station or calling 131 444.
You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.
Note for editors:
The names of some of the offences alleged against the man have changed since he is alleged to have committed them. Police are required to lay charges under the legislation in force at the time it is alleged the offences took place.
Media enquiries
Police media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au