‘It’s every parent’s worst nightmare for this to happen in your own backyard’: Karama mum slams cop response

A KARAMA parent has slammed NT Police for taking four days to release details of an alleged serious sexual assault on a three-year-old child in the suburb

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A KARAMA parent has slammed NT Police for taking four days to release details of an alleged serious sexual assault on a three-year-old child in the suburb.

The boy was allegedly seriously sexually assaulted in Karama while playing in his front yard on Thursday.

NT Police did not report the incident publicly until four days later.

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Karama mum Rayleen Bain said she was appalled that police “didn’t have the decency” to inform the community about the alleged assault earlier.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare for this to happen in your own backyard,” Ms Bain said.

“It’s very scary that this child was secure in his own front yard.

Karama mum Rayleen Bain says she’s worried about the safety of her children after a boy was allegedly sexually assaulted in his from yard last week. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“I’m appalled police neglected to tell us earlier about what was happening in our own community.

“There were whispers on social media on the weekend but nothing concrete from the police. We didn’t know if there was someone still out there or not.”

Another Karama mum, who did not wish to be named, said she believed the “horrific” incident could have been avoided if authorities had done more to “clean up the neighbourhood”.

“Our system is failing, and our babies are falling victim,” she said.

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Karama resident Tara Althouse described the alleged assault as “simply terrifying” and said she was afraid for the safety of her nieces, who also often played outside in the yard at home.

“It’s not like kids can go to the park anymore. It’s also always full of drunks,” she said.

“After 30 years of living in this community, I’ve never seen crime levels so bad.

“I have to drive around with a baseball bat in my car.”

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