Man arrested in Cairns and extradited to Victoria over alleged child sex offences

Surrounded by detectives in the parking lot of the Redlynch Central Shopping Centre, an alleged child sex offender’s years on the run came to an end. Watch the video of his arrest here.

Surrounded by detectives in the parking lot of the Redlynch Central Shopping Centre, an alleged child sex offender’s years on the run came to an end.

Cuffed by detectives from the Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit and then hauled into a waiting police vehicle, the man appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Thursday, and was extradited to Victoria after being a wanted person for four years on 30 alleged child sex offences.

Acting Inspector Jason Chetham said police received information the man was in the Cairns area and began an investigation in a bid to locate him.

“He had been wanted for four years after failing to remain in Victoria where he was before the courts for a number of very serious child sex offences,” Inspector Chetham said.

“He had been convicted and was about to be sentenced.”

Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Chetham at the Cairns Police station. Picture: Brendan Radke

Inspector Chetham said the man would have been in Cairns for more than a year, but police didn’t have precise times.

“We don’t believe he was working in the community,” he said.

The 53-year-old faced Melbourne County Court on Monday.

“There are ongoing efforts that we never cease in regards to child protection,” Inspector Chetham said.

Acting Inspector Jason Chetham announced today that a 53-year-old man was arrested in Redlynch Shopping Centre last week after failing to remain in Victoria where he was before the courts for a number of very serious child sex offences. Picture: Kristina Puljak

“It’s never too late to come forward and not only will we help but we can wrap an entire suite of support services around them because we know it's a very difficult thing.”

The man seemed to be residing in the Redlynch area.

“We’re still running out all the information but we did locate a residence for him in the Redlynch area,” Inspector Chetham said.

“He was in contact with family members and that was certainly part of the pursuit.”

The Victorian offences are alleged to have occurred between 2009 and 2012.

“We were in close liaison with the Victorian Police service throughout the particular matter,” Inspector Chetham said.

Originally published as Man arrested in Cairns and extradited to Victoria over alleged child sex offences