December 24th 2024.
Yesterday in Sydney, a retired priest was arrested and charged with grooming-related offences after allegedly attempting to meet a 14-year-old boy for a sexual encounter. The 77-year-old man was taken into custody at his home in Pendle Hill, located in the western part of the city. According to the NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad commander Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, the investigation began when Facebook detected an account sharing child abuse material and reported it to law enforcement.
After the matter was referred to the police in December, investigators made contact with the owner of the account, who was identified as the 77-year-old man arrested yesterday. As part of their investigation, police posed as a 14-year-old boy online and had conversations with the man, during which he allegedly sent explicit photographs and discussed sexual activity involving the fictitious teenager. Doherty stated that the man thought he was meeting the young boy in Pendle Hill yesterday.
Upon his arrest, police also seized multiple devices, including USBs, from the man's residence. He was refused bail and is set to appear in court today. The investigation is ongoing and Doherty urged parents to be aware of their children's online activities, comparing the internet to the real world where children may need to be accompanied by their parents.
In light of this incident, support is available for those impacted by sexual assault and domestic or family violence through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT. It is crucial for parents to be vigilant and monitor their children's online interactions to ensure their safety. The internet can be a dangerous place, and it is important for parents to guide and protect their children in both the virtual and physical world.
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