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A 50-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to face charges relating to 16 sexual offences allegedly committed against his step-child.
In 2021 police received allegations of sexual assaults committed by an adult against a child in his care. At the time of the report, it was confirmed that the man had moved to Spain in January (2021).
An investigation was commenced, and it will be alleged that between 2018 and 2021 the man committed multiple sexual offences against a young person aged between 13 and 16.
In May 2023 a brief of evidence was submitted to the ACT Magistrates Court and an arrest warrant was issued for the 50-year-old man.
An INTERPOL Red Notice was issued on 1 September 2023 and the man was subsequently arrested by Spanish authorities on 11 September 2023.
In November 2024, the 50-year-old man abandoned further appeals against his extradition from Spain and plans were made to return him to Australia to face court in the ACT.
Earlier this week the man was placed in the custody of ACT Policing officers who had travelled to Madrid and he was flown back to Australia – arriving early yesterday morning (Thursday, 19 December 2024). The man appeared in the Downing Centre Court in Sydney where his extradition from NSW to the ACT was approved.
Today (Friday, 20 December 2024) he will face the ACT Magistrates Court, charged with the following offences: persistent sexual abuse of a young person or person under special care, incest with young person under 16, act of indecency on a person under 16, sexual intercourse with young person under special care, act of indecency with young person under special care, aggravated use of a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence and using a child for production of child exploitation material.
This long running matter was resolved with the assistance of Spanish authorities, INTERPOL, the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department and the AFP’s International Network and Specialist Operations Command.
ACT Policing investigators have been relentless in pursuing this matter, considering all options and seeking advice and support from multiple agencies in an effort to see this man face court for his alleged offences.
ACT Policing urges any victims of sexual assault, including anyone who is aware of intimate images being shared without the subject’s consent, to report these criminal activities.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can report to police by attending a police station or calling 131444.
You can also submit an online report for historical sexual assault for incidents that occurred more than six months ago.
Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.