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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026
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Man charged with indecently assaulting a boy in Ballina

By The Echo

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Richmond Police have arrested a man in Ballina.

A man will face court today charged with allegedly indecently assaulting a boy in Ballina last month.

On Wednesday 11 February 2026, officers attached to Richmond Police District received a report a 12-year-old boy was walking along Ferngrove Public Reserve walking path, along the North Creek canal in Ballina about 7pm, when he was allegedly approached by a man, not known to him, and indecently touched.

The boy ran away and the matter was later reported to Police.

Walking path along North Creek canal, near Ferngrove Public Reserve, Ballina.

Detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, about 9.15am on Tuesday 24 February 2026, detectives arrested a 69-year-old man in Ballina.

He was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with intentionally sexually touch child between 10 and 16 years.

The man appeared at Bail Local Court – Division 1 on Wednesday 25 February 2026, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Ballina Local Court today (Thursday 5 March 2026).

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