Basketball coach accused of grooming, raping child

A basketball coach from Mango Hill, north of Brisbane, has been accused of using the role to groom and abuse a child over four years.

Former Northside Wizards coach Donald Robert McCarron, 67, was arrested on January 19 by police acting on information received from the public.

Police alleged McCarron used his position as a coach to abuse the child between 2013 and 2017.

Queensland Police arrested the man at home in Mango Hill after a tip-off this month.

Charges including seven counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and grooming a child under 16 were laid.

Investigators leading “Operation Xray Modern” were calling for anyone else who might be a victim of the alleged offender to come forward.

“There may be someone out there with more information that could assist this investigation,” Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Lunney said.

“We encourage you to come forward. If you have experienced sexual violence, it is not your fault and you are not alone.”

McCarron appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday where he was granted bail, subject to an evening curfew, reporting arrangements and ban on international travel.

The matter was adjourned to February 17.

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