Operation Whiskey Pointbreak: North Queensland man charged with historical sex offences

Police have searched a North Queensland cattle station and charged a man with historical sex offences after he allegedly assaulted six women and children over a 25-year period.

Police have searched a North Queensland cattle station and charged a man with historical sex offences after he allegedly assaulted six women and children over a 25-year period.

Police will allege the North Queensland man assaulted six women and children between 1998 and 2023.

It will be further alleged on some occasions, the man committed the offences while armed with a firearm.

The man was arrested at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, and charged with 17 counts of indecent treatment of a child, seven counts of rape and three counts each of threatening violence.

On 17 July 2024 a crime scene was established on a North Queensland cattle station in relation to this investigation. A search recovered an unregistered firearm and ammunition. Source: QPS

He was also charged with two counts each of assault occasioning bodily harm, two counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count each of sexual assault, threats and common assault.

The man was refused bail and appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 17, 2024. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 12, 2024.

A crime scene was also established on a North Queensland cattle station in connection with the investigation on July 17.

Police have charged a North Queensland man with historical sex offences. He was arrested at Brisbane Airport on July 16. Source: QPS

Police said they recovered an unregistered firearm and ammunition.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Forbes Malseed, officer in charge of the Mount Isa Child Protection and Investigation Unit, said police identified multiple witnesses across Australia and Europe during the investigation.

“This has been a protracted investigation, and we believe there are more people across the globe who can provide information to assist us,” he said.

“We are urging anyone who may be a victim to come forward and speak to us and ensure them all offending will be investigated fully.

“These (alleged) victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward and we will continue to protect vulnerable young people.”

Originally published as Operation Whiskey Pointbreak: North Queensland man charged with historical sex offences