Alleged child rapist arrested in Wagga

A 35-YEAR-OLD man accused of having sexual intercourse with a child has been arrested by specialist detectives in Wagga.

Detectives from the NSW State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad arrested the man in Mount Austin on Thursday, March 19.

He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with two counts of having sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14, and intentionally sexually touching a child aged between 10 and 16.

He was refused police bail and appeared before a bail court the following day.

No further details relating to the alleged offences have been released.

The arrest, announced by Riverina Police District on Friday, April 10, marked the 129th made by the Child Abuse Squad in New South Wales this year.

The statewide squad investigates serious physical abuse, sexual abuse and extreme neglect involving children under 16, as well as specific cases involving young people aged 16 to 18.

Earlier, a 22-year-old man in Temora became the 122nd person arrested and charged by the squad this year after allegedly causing reckless grievous bodily harm to a child in a domestic violence-related incident.

READ MORE: Man charged by child abuse detectives in Temora

That arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a 21-year-old alleged child sex offender at a home in Wagga on January 9.

He was charged with multiple offences, including grooming a child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity, intentionally sexually touching a child aged under 10, and attempted sexual intercourse with a child under 10 in circumstances of domestic violence.

If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, confidential support is available.

Anyone affected by child sexual abuse or sexual violence is encouraged to seek support through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, a free 24/7 national counselling and support service.

Children and young people can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 at any time.

Adult survivors of childhood trauma can also contact the Blue Knot Helpline on 1300 657 380, available from 9am to 5pm AEST/AEDT, seven days a week.

Anyone with information that may assist police investigations is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.