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A 70-year-old man has been remanded in custody over a string of alleged child abuse offences uncovered in a joint investigation between New South Wales Police, Northern Territory Police and Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Key points:
- Martin Beccaris is facing four charges, including possession of child abuse material
- The arrest followed an interstate investigation that was launched in August
- Australian Federal Police is now urging parents to be mindful of who their children are talking to online
In a joint statement, authorities alleged Martin Beccaris, from Mackay in Queensland, intended to travel to NSW to engage in sexual activity with a child.
Mr Beccaris appeared in Darwin Local Court this morning barefoot and wearing a singlet and shorts.
He did not make an application for bail.
Mr Beccaris said his name when asked by the judge but otherwise remained silent.
The 70-year-old was arrested on Sunday in Darwin City and authorities seized a mobile phone and electronic storage devices.
Child abuse charges laid
He was charged with four counts of child abuse, including using a carriage service to prepare or plan to engage in sexual activity with or procure for sexual activity a person under 16.
The other three charges related to the possession and transmission of child abuse material.
AFP Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar said the arrest was the result of cooperation between police across the country, including an investigation by the NSW Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team which began in August.
"Intelligence sharing and operational flexibility is essential to both identifying the individuals driving this atrocious industry and ensuring those most vulnerable in our community are protected," he said.
"The AFP will not waver in its commitment to hunting down the predators targeting and seeking to abuse children."
The matter will return to Darwin Local Court in December.
Topics: law-crime-and-justice, courts-and-trials, prisons-and-punishment, darwin-0800, mackay-4740, australia
First posted