Sunshine Coast man charged with 100 offences against ‘multiple children’ he groomed online
A Queensland man has been charged with more than 100 offences after being accused of targeting children online for months.
A Sunshine Coast man will face more than 100 child abuse offences against 'multiple children' (Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Police have warned parents to be aware of their child’s online activity after the 31-year-old was taken into custody on the Sunshine Coast.
He is accused of actively targeting minors online since August 2023.
After an extensive police investigation, the man was charged with 116 offences.
Support is being provided to the “multiple children” involved and their families, police said.
“If you leave your child alone with a computer or phone in their bedroom, you are inviting strangers into their bedroom,” Detective Inspector Chris 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.”
The man was taken into custody after detectives executed a search warrant at a Sunshine Coast property in February.
He has been charged with offences include rape, stalking, taking a child for immoral purposes, indecent treatment of a child, possession of and making child exploitation material and supplying dangerous drugs.
The man has been refused police bail and is due to reappear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday.
Insp Toohey said they encouraged parents to work with their children on an agreed list of trusted people they can connect with online and block users not on it.
He said it was also important parents have access to passwords for their child’s devices and know who they are talking to online as well as the websites they are using.
“Please remind your children to never provide personal details like their home address or phone number to people online,” Insp Toohey said.
Police said children should not take devices and headphones into bedrooms, bathrooms or behind closed doors.
“Predatory behaviour is incredibly manipulative and can include scamming techniques,” Insp Toohey said.
“We encourage children to listen to their instincts and tell a trusted adult if any conversation seems ‘creepy’ or makes them feel uncomfortable.”
Online safety tips are available on the Queensland Police website.
