An 80-year-old man has been charged over alleged child sex offences dating back up to 31 years, and police believe there could be more victims.
It is alleged the man repeatedly offended against a child, who was known to him through his involvement in a sports club, between 1993 and 1998.
The man has been charged following a joint investigation by the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Units.
He was arrested after police executed a search warrant at a Rosemount address on November 15.
The man has been charged with 12 counts of indecent treatment of a child between 12 and 16, and five unlawful intercourse offences, and was due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court today.
Sunshine Coast CPIU Detective Senior Sergeant Kerri Della-Vedova said police believed there could be other alleged victims who had not yet reported alleged offences by the man.
“I’d like to reinforce to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse, even decades ago, that police will listen, we will investigate, while respecting your wishes, privacy, health and safety needs,” Snr Sgt Della-Vedova said.
“Offences against children are a priority for my team and the wider Queensland Police Service and information from the community can assist us in resolving investigations into these deeply distressing crimes.
“I also reach out to those who may have not experienced sexual abuse personally, but know about offending against a child that has not yet been reported to police.
“Reporting of sexual offences to children is mandatory, and not doing so is a criminal offence.
Det Snr Sgt Della-Vedova said there were multiple ways to report what had happened, depending on the situation.
- In the case of immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000), otherwise report online, over the phone on 131 444, or face to face at a police station.
- There are also alternative reporting options available.
- For confidential information, counselling and support, call the statewide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 0101 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
- If you have information for police, use the Policelink online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day.
- Report crime information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
