Three men have been charged over the alleged sexual assault of two teenage girls on the state’s Mid North Coast.
About 10pm on October 2, emergency services were called to Bent Street at Wingham, following reports two girls – aged 13 and 15 – had been sexually assaulted by three men at a nearby park.
A crime scene was set up at the park and examined by specialist forensic officers.
Following extensive inquiries by the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, detectives arrested three men – aged 21, 24 and 31 – at a business at Wingham, just before midday on October 5.
Another man – aged 21 – was arrested about 2.30pm at Wingham.
Police searched hotel rooms at Bent Street, where police took a number of items relevant to the investigation.
All four men – who are Tongan nationals – were taken to Taree Police Station and charged.
A 31-year-old man was released, and three others were refused bail to appear at Taree Local Court today.
The 21-year-old man was charged with aggravated sexual intercourse with child (aged between 10 and 14 years).
The other 21-year-old man was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child (aged between 10 and 16 years).
The 24-year-old man was charged with two counts of intentionally sexually touch child (aged between 10 and 16 years).
Meanwhile, investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs regarding the visa status of the group.
