Qld man charged with raping, impregnating 12-year-old girl

A Queensland man appeared to smile as he was extradited from Sydney after being charged with raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.

A Queensland man has been charged with raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.

Iosefo Lui, 39, has been extradited from Sydney to Townsville to face court over the charges after his arrest in New South Wales.

Lui has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of indecent treatment of a child.

Police will allege Lui raped and abused a 12-year-old girl in 2023.

It will be alleged Lui impregnated the girl, who carried the baby to full term and delivered the child in September last year.

Police will allege Lui fled to New South Wales and has been there since.

Iosefo Lui being extradited out of Sydney to Townsville by Australian Police and AFP.

After his extradition was granted, Lui, flanked by detectives, appeared to smile as he was photographed at Sydney Airport on Thursday night before he was flown to Townsville.

Police Minister Dan Purdie told The Courier-Mail the allegations in the case were “deplorable”.

“Our children are our most precious gifts and they need to be protected,” he said.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to doing everything we can to keep them safe, including working with Bruce and Denise Morcombe to establish a public child sex offender register.”

On Friday, Lui’s case was mentioned in the Townsville Magistrates Court, but he did not appear in person. No bail application was made.

Legal Aid solicitor Abigail Braid said Lui had been extradited from NSW to Townsville to answer to the charges and advised they were seeking a brief disclosure and ultimately a lengthy adjournment.

Iosefo Lui’s case was mentioned in the Townsville Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Steven Mosch ordered the charges be adjourned to September 9 for a committal mention and the attendance of Mr Lui was not required.

Townsville Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Unit officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant David Miles said police were continuing to provide support to the victim.

“This result would not have been possible without the tireless work of officers from the Townsville Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Unit, along with assistance from Nepean Detectives from the New South Wales Police Force,” he said.

“Police are continuing to provide support to the victim and commend them on their courage.

Speaking generally he said: “We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about appropriate behaviour, even from people considered safe or trusted adults in their life, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable about any behaviour and how they can report that behaviour.

“It is important to reinforce to victims that crimes of this nature are not your fault, and you are not alone.”

After investigating, Queensland Police had issued a warrant for Lui’s arrest and New South Wales police took him into custody.

He faced Mount Druitt Magistrates Court on Thursday where a magistrate granted his extradition back to Townsville.

Detectives from Townsville travelled to Sydney to escort Lui back to Queensland.

Lui arrived at Townsville Airport about 10pm flanked by two plain clothes police officers.

When they arrived at the airport, he was escorted to a vehicle by a number of uniformed officers wearing protective vests.

For more information and resources regarding child protection, go to: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/units/victims-of-crime/child-protection