ACT Policing has charged a 29-year-old NSW man after he allegedly travelled from Sydney to Canberra to have sex with a 14-year-old girl.
Police allege the man initiated contact with the young person in January (2025) through social media and engaged in ongoing conversations that became sexualised, despite being aware the girl was 14 years old.
The communications later moved to a messaging application, where police allege sexually suggestive messages and images were sent by the man and plans were made to meet in Canberra.
Yesterday, 18 December, when the arranged meeting was planned to occur, the young person reported the matter to police and the investigation was referred to ACT Policing’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team (SACAT).
About 1pm, police attended a Canberra hotel and arrested the 29-year-old man. During a search of the man’s back pack police located a digital camera and a box of condoms.
He will face the ACT Magistrate Court today, 19 December, charged with using a carriage service to procure under 16 sexual activity.
ACT Policing reminds the community that online grooming is a serious offence and encourages parents, carers and young people to remain vigilant about online interactions.
Anyone with concerns about inappropriate online behaviour involving children is urged to report it to police.
