A MAN, 19, who allegedly met a 12-year-old girl online, sexually assaulted her in a West Wallsend park and then shared video of the incident on social media has been refused bail overnight as police issue a reminder about the potential dangers that await young people using the internet.
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Jayden O'Donnell appeared in Toronto Local Court on Wednesday charged with intentionally sexually touching a child aged between 10 and 16, five counts of have sexual intercourse with a child aged between 10 and 14, produce child abuse material and disseminate child abuse material.
He did not enter any pleas but applied for bail and it was refused. The matter was adjourned until Thursday.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad say they launched an investigation last month after reports that a 12-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted earlier this year by a man she met on social media.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators searched a home at Cardiff about 8.40am on Tuesday.
During the search, police seized mobile phones and other electronic devices.
Mr O'Donnell was arrested, charged and refused bail by police.
Detectives allege that Mr O'Donnell used social media to communicate with the girl, before sexually assaulting her at a park at West Wallsend in April this year.
Police also allege that Mr O'Donnell shared recordings of the incident on social media.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said the incident was a timely reminder for parents to speak with young people about the potential dangers and risks of using the internet.
"While social media apps allow us to be better connected with people we know, they also provide opportunity for people we don't know to connect with us - and this includes strangers talking to our children," Detective Superintendent Kerlatec said.
"For young people, any online platform that allows them to be in contact with people they do not know - and have only met in the online environment - can put them at risk. We know that sexual predators may use the online environment to target children, so it is imperative that all young people know what to do if they are exposed to explicit or inappropriate conversations.
"It is common for young people to feel uncomfortable reporting these types of conversations, so I urge parents and carers to make sure they're assured that they don't need to be embarrassed or upset.
"From a police perspective our priority is protecting children from any type of harm, and we will track down anyone who uses the internet to groom and or procure children for sex.
"Finally, I want to remind everyone to be careful about providing personal details on social media, especially to someone they only know online, and take extreme caution if making plans to meet up - consider whether you really know who it is you are meeting."
