Man, 78, charged with sexual assault of girl at Raymond Terrace, Deception Bay

A 78-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl at a toilet block north of Brisbane and police allege there may be more victims.

A 78-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl at a toilet block.

A 78-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl at a toilet block north of Brisbane and police say there may be more victims.

Police investigations show a group of people were socialising at a park on Raymond Terrace at Deception Bay when the man attended the toilet block on his mobility scooter with a girl and allegedly sexually assaulted her on February 15.

The incident was reported to police after a witness intervened.

Police believe the victim and alleged offender are not directly known to each other, but both often attend the park.

Detective Inspector Phil Hurst said detectives believe there may be more victims.

“As these alleged offences were committed in a public place, I’m urging anyone who has witnessed suspicious activity to contact police,” Detective Inspector Hurst said.

A 78-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a young girl at a toilet block

“Remember that reporting sexual offences against children is mandatory, and not doing so is a criminal offence.

“Any child who may have had a similar experience is also urged to speak to their parents and report it police – any victims will be listened to and supported.

“I thank the Redcliffe Child Protection and Investigation Unit for taking such swift action.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Guy Ford said the man was a part of the same group of people socialising at the park.

“The girl and the man were both at the park along with a group of other people,” he said.

“They interacted and moved away from the park.”

Det Sen Sgt Ford said the priority at the moment was ensuring the complainant was being supported and investigations into any further potential offences continue.

“Police believe the man charged with the alleged offences frequents the park and surrounding areas often,” he said.

“Because of that, and the public nature of the alleged offences, detectives are investigating the possibility that similar alleged incidents could have happened to other children.

“I’m encouraging parents and caregivers to speak with their children about any experiences that have made them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

“Children, or victims of any age, will be listened to and supported. I also urge anyone who has witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area to contact police.

A search warrant was executed at a Deception Bay address on February 16 and the man was arrested.

He was charged with two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12 years and one count of attempted rape, and has been granted police bail and is out in the community.

The man was released on police bail under strict conditions until he is expected to appear in Redcliffe Magistrates Court on March 5.