Former Tasmanian police officer charged with child abuse

Police travelled to Queensland to charge a former Tasmanian sergeant in his 70s with child abuse offences. What we know.

A former senior police officer has been charged with child sex offences.

A former senior Tasmanian police officer is being charged with child sex offences.

Tasmania Police on Monday said detectives from the Family and Sexual Violence Command had travelled to Queensland to charge a former sergeant, aged in his 70s, with child sex offences.

The man was held for court in Queensland and has been subsequently bailed to appear before the Burnie Magistrates Court on February 4 on the charge of persistent sexual abuse of a young person.

The charge relates to abuse allegedly committed in the 1980s, when the man was a serving officer in Tasmania.

“Tasmania Police recognises the abhorrent and deeply disturbing nature of the charges,” Assistant Commissioner Rob Blackwood said.

“As the case is before the courts, we cannot provide further comment however we strongly urge anyone with information about child sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward.”

People can report directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station.

Matters can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Anyone can report concerns or incidents involving police at Tasmania Police Child and Youth Safe web page: dpfem.tas.gov.au/childsafe. Information can be provided anonymously.