Man charged with historical child sex offences

ACT Policing Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team (SACAT) Detectives have arrested a 68-year-old man following an investigation into his alleged persistent sexual abuse of a 16‑year‑old boy in the 1980s.

Police will allege that he met, groomed and abused the child while he was the victim’s Australian rules football umpiring coach between 1985 and 1986.

He was arrested by police at his residence in Denman Prospect on Thursday evening (13 July 2023) after police executed a warrant at the premises.

The man has been charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and four counts of acts of indecency without consent and he is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, 14 July 2023. 

The investigation into this matter is continuing and additional charges may be laid.

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 website, please quote ACT Policing reference 7377320.

The alleged offender is known to have been involved with numerous community organisations and attended community events since the mid-1980s.

There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences in the ACT. It doesn’t matter how much time may have passed and it is never too late to report.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling ACT Policing Communications on 131444. You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.

The ACT Policing website has a dedicated section for victims of sexual assault, with information and a range of advice and details of support options.

Note to editors: Broadcast-quality arrest footage, and ACT Policing representative comments are available for download from Hightail. Radio stations can lift audio from the videos. This link will expire in seven days.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES 

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au