A Sunshine Coast man has been charged with historical child sexual offences and detectives are appealing for other victims to come forward.
The man is accused of repeatedly offending against a child, known to him through involvement in a sport club, between 1993 and 1998.
Detectives attached to the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Units (CPIU) executed a search warrant at a Rosemount home on November 15 and subsequently arrested an 80-year-old Rosemount man.
He has been charged with 12 counts of indecent treatment of children under 12 – 16, and five unlawful intercourse offences.
He is due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court today.
Sunshine Coast CPIU Detective Senior Sergeant Kerri Della-Vedova is appealing for more information.
“We believe there may be further victims that have not yet come forward,” Detective Senior Sergeant Della-Vedova said.
“I’m grateful for the victim-survivor that came forward to report this abuse which had lead to 17 charges against the alleged offender.
“However, if anyone else relates to this offending or has more information, I encourage you speak to police.
“I’d like to reinforce to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse, even decades ago, that police will listen, we will investigate, while respecting your wishes, privacy, health and safety needs.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Della-Vedova is also calling for anyone that knows about offending against a child to report it to police.
“Reporting of sexual offences to children is mandatory, and not doing so is a criminal offence,” she said.
