Sex Crimes Squad detectives charge man for alleged sadistic sextortion of young girl

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Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged sadistic sextortion in the state’s north.

In August 2024, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation into a Coffs Harbour man following a referral from Queensland Police Service.

It is alleged the man had been grooming a 15-year-old girl he had met online and was threatening her to send videos of herself carrying out various compromising acts such as self-harming and performing sexual acts.

Following investigations, about 7.35am yesterday (Wednesday 16 October 2024), strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – attended an address in Safety Beach, approximately 30km north of Coffs Harbour, where they arrested a 28-year-old man.

During a search of the property, police located and seized various electronic devices which will undergo further forensic examination.

The man was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station, where he was charged with using a carriage service to engage in sexual activity with a child, to do/plan harm to person under 16 years, to groom under 16 years for sex, to threaten to kill, to threaten to serious harm, to send indecent material to person under 16 years, and to cause child sexual activity.

He was refused bail and appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court the same day.

Commander of State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said police are seeing a rise in sadistic sextortion cases.

“Sadistic sextortion is unlike typical cases of sextortion because the offender is not doing it for financial gain, rather victims are being coerced into producing extreme sexual and violent content,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“We want children to know there is always someone who will listen, and there are things we can do to get you out of any situation, no matter how frightening it is or what the offender is telling you.

“I hope this incident also acts an alert to parents who may be aware that their children engaging in self-harm that there may be deeper reasons for this that need to be explored with them in a supportive manner.”

GLENREAGH TIMBER FESTIVAL BACKED WITH $20,000 GRANT FROM NSW GOVERNMENT

The 2024 Glenreagh Timber Festival held last Saturday was a resounding success drawing record crowds and celebrating the region’s rich history and deep connection to the timber industry, according to Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson.

Held at the picturesque Glenreagh recreation reserve grounds, Mr Williamson said the festival is a much-loved event on the annual calendar and showcased the best of local craftsmanship, an impressive display of steam engines, cultural displays and community spirit.

“I was pleased to announce on the day that the event was backed by a $20,000 grant from the NSW Government to help with its promotion, and this has certainly paid dividends with thousands of visitors flocking to the area providing a real boost to the local economy,” Mr Williamson said.

“The air buzzed with excitement and enthusiasm with plenty of opportunities for children a key focus of the organisers with bouncy castles and inflatable slides to traditional carnival games on hand to entertain them.

“The woodchip and chainsaw events were a crowd favourite with competitors demonstrating remarkable skill and strength in a serious of thrilling timber-cutting challenges.

“Not to be outdone, the impressive display of steam engines was another highlight which saw enthusiasts from near and far bring their meticulously maintained engines, adding a touch of historical charm and awe to the festival.”

Mr Williamson said the Glenreagh Timber Festival was a much-loved event on the annual calendar that has grown significantly over the years and is testament to the hard work and commitment of the organisers, volunteers and sponsors who made it possible.

“The 11 community groups involved rallied over 100 volunteers who dedicated their time to the event. That’s 10 percent of the population of Glenreagh which is just remarkable,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s events like these that should be backed with Government support to help them grow by reaching a wider audience, and I thank and congratulate everyone involved in making this year’s event a huge success.

“I also thank my NSW Nationals colleagues, the Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh and Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp for coming along and supporting the event.”

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

The Circus is in town and it is action packed

By Samantha Elley

Put your expectations away and open your mind to the ‘edge of your seat’ experience you will be in for when you go to see The Circus in Coffs Harbour.

“We are a seventh generation circus family, originally from Germany,” said tour manager and matriarch, Marie Weber.

“We bring acts that have never been seen under the big top in Australia before.

“These include FMX (freestyle) riders, the splitting globe of death, comedians, aerialists and even a human cannonball.”

Patriarch, Harry Weber, has been involved in the circus touring life for the past 40 years and the family are excited to be in Australia.

“We have been touring in New Zealand, South Africa, Korea and other international areas,” said Marie.

That’s no mean feat with a family of eight children who have all grown up with the circus.

“We have performers from all walks of life,” said Marie.

“There are about 40 crew and performers, including those travelling with families.”

Marie said they are all like one big happy family, especially when they have been working so closely together for so long.

“Most of us have been working together for more than 10 years,” she said.

The Circus has just wound up six shows at Lismore Showgrounds and is now heading to Coffs Harbour where they have a giveaway on their Facebook page ‘Weber Bros Entertainment’ for two VIP packages and 10 double passes to their shows.

They will be performing their action packed shows at Coffs Harbour Showground between June 6^th – 16^th.

Book your tickets at 0452003300 or online at iticket.com.au for two hours of great family entertainment. Prices range from $35 – $85 for adults and $25-$70 for children.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

Mental Health Service Boost in Coffs Harbour with Opening of Medicare Mental Health Centre

Communities in and around Coffs Harbour will soon benefit from increased mental health support with the opening of a Medicare Mental Health Centre in late June. Healthy North Coast, which delivers the North Coast Primary Health Network program on behalf of the Australian Government, announced today the selection of local not-for-profit organisation Open Minds as the service provider for the new centre.

Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast, emphasised the importance of accessible mental health services. “It is estimated that 43% of Australians will experience mental health distress at some point in their lives. It is vitally important we have a range of mental health services that are easily accessed in times of need,” she stated.

The new centre will offer free, walk-in mental health services with no appointments or referrals necessary. This model is designed to provide immediate and tailored support to individuals in need. Wheeler highlighted the success of a similar initiative: “Our Lismore Centre, also run by Open Minds, opened in 2022 and has delivered over 9,000 sessions and supported more than 1,000 people. We’re confident that the Coffs Harbour Centre will be a welcome addition for residents looking for a tailored experience and connection to the right support for them and their circumstances, which are different for everyone.”

Rik Barker, General Manager of Integrated Mental Health Services (NSW) at Open Minds, welcomed the announcement. “We look forward to opening the doors in Coffs and delivering a quality mental health service, improving the wellbeing of people on the Mid North Coast,” he said.

Key Features of the New Centre

• Staffing: The centre will be staffed by mental health and allied health professionals available to visitors based on their level of need. There will also be a Social and Emotional Wellbeing Worker for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, in partnership with Galambila Aboriginal Health Service.
• Location and Hours: The centre will be co-located with the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre in Block B of the Community Village, 22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour. Initial hours of operation will be 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with provisions for targeted/appointment-based services for up to four hours on Saturdays.
• Accessibility: Residents can visit the centre without prior appointments, and services are free of charge.

Wheeler explained the community’s enthusiastic response to the new centre, noting its welcoming space and easy accessibility. She also encouraged those unable to visit in person to utilize the free Head to Health service by calling 1800 595 212 for phone-based support.

Additional Information

• Crisis Services: The Medicare Mental Health Centres are not intended for crisis or emergency services. For urgent support, individuals should contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Access Line at 1800 011 511. For immediate help or if at risk of harm, calling 000 is advised.

For more information and updates, visit here.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

LOCAL CONCRETE GIRDERS MAKE THEIR WAY UP THE HIGHWAY FOR BYPASS

The Coffs Coast community will soon see locally-produced concrete girders making the trip from Macksville to Coffs Harbour where they will form part of 15 of the 17 bridges on the Coffs Harbour Bypass alignment.

Transport for NSW Director Region North Anna Zycki said the project team is working with Australian Precast Solutions, which is casting the massive 260 Super T girders, which measure from 18 metres to 35 metres long and weigh up to 90 tonnes.

“This demonstrates our commitment to investing in local businesses and local jobs,” Ms Zycki said.

“The ongoing program of work from the Coffs Harbour Bypass has ensured longevity for the 65 staff already employed at the precast yard, with further opportunities for an additional ten casuals in the future.”

Ms Zycki also said the girder movements will cause occasional delays for some road users and urged motorists to be extra mindful when sharing the road with these oversize loads.

“Each girder is classified as an Over Size, Over Mass (OSOM) load and will be escorted to site with a pilot vehicle,” Ms Zycki said.

“To minimise impacts, only approved heavy vehicle haulage routes will be used and deliveries will be made during off-peak periods, where possible.

“When driving near these vehicles, be mindful that they take up more space and are unable to stop quickly. Please remember to ACT – be aware, use caution and allow more time to get to your destination,” Ms Zycki said.

Doug Nimmo, Precast Superintendent from Australian Precast Solutions said the bypass is providing a great boost for local companies.

“We’ve worked with Transport for NSW for many years, helping deliver structural elements for the Pacific Highway duplication including for the Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade a few years ago,” Mr Nimmo said.

“We’re pleased they keep coming back to us and we’re delighted to be part of the team that’s bringing the long-awaited bypass to Coffs Harbour.”

The Australian and NSW Government are funding the 14 kilometre Coffs Harbour Bypass. When complete, the project will save motorists 12 minutes travel time, bypass up to 12 sets of traffic lights and remove thousands of vehicles from the Coffs Harbour CBD.

More information about the bypass is available here.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.