Detectives from State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad have charged a young Casino couple with child grooming and assault offences relating to incidents involving four girls aged between 13 and 15.
The 20 year old man and 19 year old woman were arrested earlier this week. Police will allege the four girls were known to the couple.
Police have been told the girls were groomed via text message and social media, and that two of the girls were indecently assaulted while staying at the home. Further, another girl was supplied with alcohol at the home and sexually assaulted.
The 20 year old man was charged with nine counts of aggravated indecent assault; use intoxicating substance; aggravated sexual assault; and two counts of grooming. The 19 year old woman was charged with three counts of grooming; accessory before the fact to aggravated sexual assault; and use intoxicating substance.
Both appeared at a Casino Court on Wednesday and remain in custody to reappear at a future date.
The incident has prompted Child Abuse Squad detectives to urge parents to talk to their teenage children about their safety, both online and offline. That includes encouraging their children to tell them if they are sent inappropriate messages or are made to feel uncomfortable. Police urge parents to know where their children are and who they are with at all times.
Anyone with information on child abuse should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/. Reports can also be made to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.
