A 38 year old man has been charged following his arrest yesterday by Lismore police. The man was charged with five counts of aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, aggravated sexual assault-inflict actual bodily harm on victim, common assault and intentionally touch child between 10-16 years.

The man was refused bail and will appear at Lismore Court today.

On Wednesday 29 July, police received a report a 12-year-old girl was approached by an unknown man near Magellan and Carrington Streets, Lismore, before being sexually assaulted near Molesworth Street.

Officers from Richmond Police District, together with detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following inquiries, a 38-year-old man was arrested at a home near Lismore just after 10.30am yesterday (Thursday 30 July 2020).

Later that day, officers executed a search warrant at the home and seized a mobile phone and other items relevant to the investigation.

The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

ORIGINAL STORY

Police are investigating the sexual assault of a 12 year old girl in the Lismore CBD last night.

Richmond Police District Detective Commander Cameron Lindsay said police today arrested a 38 year old man who is currently assisting police with enquiries.

“We anticipate he will be charged in relation to an assault on a 12 year old girl last night,” Det Comm Lindsay said.

“Police will allege that around 6pm on Carrington Street, the man approached a 12 year old and later assault her in bushland near Molesworth Street. 

“We will allege the girl was alone and they were unknown to each other.”

Det Comm Lindsay said local detectives and the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad worked overnight on the case to bring the matter to the court.

“Police executed a search warrant and seized a number of items which have been examined as evidence,” he said.

“I anticipate he will face charges tonight and appear in Lismore local court tomorrow morning.

“We are pleased to have made the arrest, but it is an extremely concerning offense to us that a young girl walking the streets at a relatively early time was assaulted in such fashion.

“It is absolutely disgusting and a big concern for us, so we are happy to place this matter before the court.”

“We remind parents to know where their kids are.

“It was a traumatic incident and the girl is receiving counselling.

“We urge people who may have seen anything last night to contact Crimestoppers or Lismore Detectives,” he said.

You can contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.