NT Police capture man alleged to have preyed on a child under 16

A man has been arrested after allegedly communicating with a young child online in an attempt to coerce them into sexual activity.

A police intercept has led to the capture and arrest of a man alleged to have preyed on a young child with sexual intent for just under a month.

The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) intercepted the 45-year-old man while he was driving in Winnellie on September 18, after allegedly finding enough evidence to make the arrest.

Police allege the man communicated with a child under the age of 16 for the purpose of sexual exploitation between August 25 and September 18.

The man was not believed to be on way to or from offending at the time of arrest.

Police allege the man communicated with a child under the age of 16 for the purpose of sexual exploitation between August 25 and September 18.

The man was arrested and charged with procure child under 16 for sexual activity and transmit indecent communication with child under 16.

He has since been remanded to appear in Darwin Local Court on November 14.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Russell said police continued to urge parents to review their children’s online activity to ensure their safety.

“This type of behaviour is abhorrent and JACET remains committed to disrupting and charging anyone who participants in it,” he said.

Police urged members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au

Brand new cars destroyed in arson attack at dealership

Nearly $100,000 worth of shiny, new cars have been destroyed in a suspected arson attack at a Top End dealership.

NT Police Northern Watch Commander Sean Patterson said three vehicles at the Chery Motors dealership were reportedly on fire about 3.45am Wednesday.

He said the heat from the flames also broke one of the building’s windows.

Sergeant Patterson said NT Fire and Rescue Services also attended and extinguished the blaze.

Three cars at the Chery Motors dealership in Stuart Park were destroyed in a blaze caused by suspected arson at 3.45am Wednesday. Picture: Sierra Haigh

He said no one was injured in the incident, and police had identified two people of interest who were seen in the area but had not made any arrests.

Sergeant Patterson said the Serious Crime Squad was investigating and had set up a crime scene around the business, on the corner of Duke St and the Stuart Hwy.

He said traffic diversions were in place, with motorists travelling up Dinah Beach Rd towards Duke St unable to access the road.

Three cars at the Chery Motors dealership in Stuart Park were destroyed in a blaze caused by suspected arson at 3.45am Wednesday. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Bundle of drug baggies busted in traffic operation

A man allegedly carrying 69 bags of cannabis has been charged during a traffic campaign in the Roper Gulf Region.

NT Police Senior Sergeant Thomas Chalk said a silver Holden ute was stopped and searched on the Central Arnhem Rd about noon Monday.

He said the car’s occupants were travelling to Bulman.

Sergeant Chalk said a 36-year-old man was charged with drug and driving offences and was due to appear in court on November 23.

“NT Police will remain relentless in our ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities from the harmful social and financial effects of illicit substances,” he said.

“We will not stop our efforts to stamp out their supply and distribution.

“As frontline workers, we are well aware of their devastating impact on the lives of people in vulnerable communities.”

69 bags of cannabis were allegedly seized from a Holden Utility in the Roper Gulf Region. Picture: PFES

Woman arrested after Darwin CBD attack

A woman who allegedly threw a bottle at another woman and caused cuts to her victim’s legs has been arrested.

An NT Police spokesman said Strike Force Lyra arrested the 35-year-old woman after the domestic violence incident over the weekend.

The spokesman said police expected to charge the woman on Tuesday.

The arrest comes after a three-day manhunt for the alleged attacker.

Police were called to Mirambeena St in Darwin city, opposite the Shell service station, about 11.30pm on Friday following reports of the attack.

Investigators allege the woman attacked the 38-year-old woman by throwing a bottle at her and physically assaulting her.

Two passers-by then called an ambulance while the other woman fled the scene.

A St John Ambulance NT spokesman confirmed paramedics treated the woman at the Shell Coles Express service station after getting a call at 12.43am Saturday, taking her to Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition.

NT Health has been contacted for comment.

Two injured in single vehicle crash

Two men were rushed to hospital after their car veered off the road and rolled south of Katherine.

Police allege the Mitsubishi ute veered off the road and crashed 55km south of Katherine while travelling along the Stuart Hwy about 12.30am Tuesday.

The occupants, both aged 26, were treated at the scene and later taken to the Katherine District Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police believe neither alcohol nor drugs were a factor in the crash.

Sergeant Cameron Mahoney said the young men were “incredibly lucky to be alive” after the crash.

“Investigations are in their early stages, however, the driver of the vehicle appears to have been fatigued, potentially causing the crash,” he said.

“These young men are incredibly lucky to be alive and this is a timely reminder to all drivers of the dangers of driving while fatigued and the importance of not pushing your limits.

“Fatigue is one of the Fatal Five and we continue to urge all motorists on Territory roads to take them seriously and ensure you give yourself the best possible chance to get home safely.”

Pair allegedly caught on camera breaking into Top End Irish pub

Police have arrested two teenagers for allegedly breaking into Shenannigans Irish pub in Darwin city at 3:40am on Monday.

CCTV footage allegedly revealed a 17-year-old boy and 18-year-old man trying to enter through the backdoor of the Irish pub on Mitchell Street.

The pair had also allegedly attempted to break into the same venue twice the previous night, which was also caught on CCTV.

Northern Watch Commander Sean Patterson said police had been monitoring the situation and were able to make the arrests on the third burglary attempt.

He said the two were in police custody and are awaiting charges.

Bushfire in Johnston becomes a heightened threat while a new fire breaks out in Gray

The NT Fire and Rescue Service have issued the public a ‘Watch and Act’ alert regarding a bushfire in Johnston.

The fire, located on Inverway Circuit and Farrar Boulevard, is spreading on one or more fronts and effective containment strategies are no in place for the entire perimeter, according to the NT Rescue Service update.

Alerts have been issued for bushfires in Gray and in Johnston. Picture: NT Fire Incident Maps

The alert seeks to warn members of the public that weather conditions may change and to start taking immediate action to protect their family and property.

Smoke from the fire may affect visibility.

Drivers in the area are urged to slow down, turn on their headlights and to drive safely.

The situation is expected to continue until 2pm.

Another fire in Gray, on Temple Terrace and the corner of Essington Ave has just started.

The public is being warned to monitor the situation for changes.

For more information regarding bushfires, the public can refer to the Fire Incident Map on www.pfes.nt.gov.au/incidentmap.