A 31-year-old Queensland man has been charged with 116 child abuse offences, with police alleging he was actively targeting minors online for months.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a Sunshine Coast property in February where they arrested and took the man into custody.
His charges include rape, stalking, taking a child for immoral purposes, indecent treatment of a child, possessing and making child exploitation material and supplying dangerous drugs.
The man was refused bail to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on March 18.
Police said they have identified the multiple children involved and are continuing to work with and provide support to their families.
Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said the arrest served as a reminder for parents to monitor their child’s online activity.
“If you leave your child alone with a computer or phone in their bedroom, you are inviting strangers into their bedroom,” Toohey said.
“We’re outlining this man’s charges because we want parents to become more aware of the people their children can be exposed to online and the ways they interact with minors.
“Predatory behaviour is incredibly manipulative and can include scamming techniques.”
Toohey said that it was important for parents to know the password or passcode to their child’s laptop, phone and other devices.
“Please remind your children to never provide personal details like their home address or phone number to people online,” she said.
“We encourage children to listen to their instincts and tell a trusted adult if any conversation seems ‘creepy’ or makes them feel uncomfortable.”
To keep your child safe online, the child protection unit advises to
- Keep your computer in the living room
- Understand how to use parenting controls on internet browsers
- Educate your child on online safety
- Track who your child speaks to online
- Never allow an unsupervised meeting with someone they have met online
