Queensland: 58-year-old man slapped with child sex offender charges

A highly charged police operation has led to the arrest of a 58-year-old man who allegedly groomed at least seven children under the age of 16.

Detectives have charged a 58-year-old Queensland man with multiple alleged offences, including child sex charges, as part of a major operation in Cairns.

Police allege the Cairns man groomed, assaulted and supplied meth and cannabis to at least seven young girls under the age of 16 between January and June this year.

The arrest, which took place on Sunday, followed the launch of “Operation Uniform Kalahari” by detectives to investigate the alleged exploitation of at least eight young people in the Cairns area this year.

The 58-year-old was charged with six counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16, one count each of grooming, possessing poison and drug utensils, and attempting to procure indecent treatment.

The man was also charged with 11 counts of supplying drugs to a minor under 16 and a further two counts each of supplying and possessing drugs.

The man is set to reappear before the courts in August. Picture: Alison Paterson

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Gooiker said the arrest was due to the “immense bravery of the victims”.

“The immense bravery of victims in these matters to come forward and speak to police allows the QPS to track down these offenders and put them before the courts,” he said.

“We will investigate all reports of offences against children, and arrest and charge alleged offenders within the full force of the law.”

The alleged offender has appeared before Cairns Magistrates Court, where he now remains in custody until his next court date on August 3.

Authorities urge anyone with information, or who believes they or someone they know may have been impacted, to come forward.

Investigations are ongoing.