Man charged over sexual assault of girl, 12

A man has been charged after allegedly approaching a 12-year-old girl on the street on Wednesday night and sexually assaulting her.

A 38-year-old man has been charged over the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl at Lismore on Wednesday night.

Police claim the young girl was approached by an unknown man near Magellan and Carrington streets in Lismore before she was allegedly sexually assaulted near Molesworth St.

Just after 10.30am on Thursday the man was arrested at a home near Lismore, and police searched the premises later that day.

Officers seized a mobile phone and other items relevant to the investigation.

The man was taken to Lismore police station and charged with five counts of aggravated sex assault – victim under 16 years old, aggravated sexual assault – inflict actual bodily harm on victim, common assault and intentionally touching a child aged between 10 and 16.

He was refused bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on Friday.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man charged over sexual assault of girl, 12