Time’s up for predators

FOUR alleged child sex offenders accused on separate matters of preying on young people from a position of trust have been arrested and charged by Townsville detectives.

A father is accused of raping his son seven times in Garbutt between 1996 and 1998.

The 48- year- old man from Macleay Island, near Brisbane, was also charged with four counts of sodomy and 24 counts of indecent treatment of a child.

His son was aged between six and nine at the time of the alleged offences and only came forward to police last year.

Police have also charged a 20- year- old Kingaroy man with two counts of indecent treatment of a child and one count of common assault.

Townsville Child Protection Investigation Unit detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said police would allege the man committed the offences against his sister, in Townsville, when she was aged between 13 and 15.

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 2015 and 2017.

Sen- Sgt Miles said CPIU detectives were dealing with sexual offences committed inside family environments on a frequent basis.

“Obviously, there is a level of apprehension particularly in family matters when it comes to reporting, primarily because there are significant family dynamic consequences of this,” Sen- Sgt Miles said.

“But we encourage the victims to come forward because at the end of the day they are serious sexual offences being committed upon them and particularly within the family it’s an even greater breach of trust.”

A 39- year- old Banyo man was charged with two counts of rape and one count of indecent treatment of a child relating to offences committed between 2009 and 2010.

It will be alleged a 10- year- old girl was at a friend’s house in Mount Isa when the male sexually assaulted her.

“Basically the child was on a sleepover during which time she was inappropriately touched by the offender on a number of occasions,” Sen- Sgt Miles said.

Detectives also arrested and charged a 45- year- old Blackbutt man with two counts of rape and three counts of indecent treatment of a child relating to offences in Kirwan between 2014 and 2015.

It will be alleged a 13- yearold was staying at the man’s home when offences occurred.

Sen- Sgt Miles said the four arrests were made after victims came forward in recent months.

“Every victim and survivor of sexual assault has a different approach to when they feel like they are able to report these matters,” Sen- Sgt Miles said.

“Unfortunately, they are often fearful to do so because of threats from perpetrators … this hampers victims coming forward until later in life.

“We want to encourage victims to feel comfortable to come forward.”