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Content warning: This article contains references to child abuse.
NSW Police have charged a children’s author for the alleged online grooming of children, under Strike Force Trawler.
State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad force detectives launched an investigation in early May after receiving an interstate report a children’s author was allegedly communicating inappropriately with a child on online.
During the investigation, the man allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to someone who he believed was a 13-year-old girl.
Following an investigation, police executed a search warrant at an Old Guildford home at 8am on Friday.
Detectives arrested a 41-year-old man and seized several electronic devices.
The man was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with using a carriage service to groom under 16 years old for sex and using a carriage service procure less than 16 years old for sexual activity.
Detectives allege the man used his position as a children’s author to engage inappropriately with children online.
He was refused bail and appeared before Fairfield Local Court on Friday.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at and .
Anyone seeking information or support relating to sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.
Do you think the publishing industry needs better safeguards to prevent such horrifying incidents from happening in the future?