Man charged over 'sadistic sextortion offences' after allegedly grooming girl in NSW
A 28-year-old man has been charged with sadistic sextortion offences after allegedly grooming and threatening a young teenager in NSW.
Police believe the man had met a 15-year-old girl online, before allegedly threatening her into sending videos of herself self-harming and performing sexual acts.
Detectives arrested the man at home at Safety Beach near Coffs Harbour about 7.35am yesterday.
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Detectives have charged a man following an investigation into alleged sadistic sextortion in the state's north. 17.10.24 NSW Police
Police searched the property 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 multiple offences including using a carriage service to engage in sexual activity with a child and to groom someone under 16 years for sex.
Detectives began investigating the sadistic sextortion in August after receiving a referral from Queensland Police.
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Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty warned police were 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," 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."
The 28-year-old man was refused bail and appeared in Coffs Harbour Local Court yesterday.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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