POLICE WARN OF ONLINE PREDATORS AFTER BOY WAS ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTED IN PORT MACQUARIE

A man has faced court, after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy he’d met on social media.

Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes arrested the 50-year-old at a home in Port Macquarie yesterday afternoon.

The man’s phone was also seized and is being examined.

It’s alleged he sexually abused the teenager on Saturday.

He’s facing a number of charges including with three counts of sexual intercourse with child aged 10-16, two counts of sexual touching of child aged 10-16, and possession of child abuse material.

Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, has warned that now, more than ever, young people need to be aware of the dangers of connecting with strangers online.

“With so many children using the internet for longer periods due to COVID-19 restrictions, this increases the opportunities for predators to interact with them online,” Detective Superintendent Kerlatec said.

“We urge parents to be aware of their children’s activities online, what sites they are visiting, what apps they have on their phones and importantly who they are talking to.”

The man was refused bail in Coffs Harbour Local Court, he’ll front Port Macquarie Local Court in June.