Man to face court over historic child sex offences

A 77-year-old man is due to appear in court tomorrow after being charged with a string of historic child sexual offences allegedly committed in the Kimberley.

It is alleged that between 1975 and 1989, the man sexually assaulted five boys, aged between eight and 17 at the time of the first offence.

It is further alleged the man used his position as a school gardener and his involvement in a local motocross club in the West Kimberley area to groom young boys.

Derby Detectives, with the assistance of Queensland Police, successfully sought the extradition of the man from Charters Towers in Queensland in relation to the offences.

He will arrive in Perth with detectives this afternoon and appear before the Perth Magistrates Court tomorrow.

He has been charged with 14 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 14 years, six counts of committed indecent practices between males in public or private, four counts of permits a male person to have carnal knowledge against order of nature, four counts of carnal knowledge against nature and two counts of attempted carnal knowledge.

The man moved from Derby to Kununurra in 1986 and lived in caravan parks across northern Australia.

The investigation is ongoing.

Derby Detectives urge anyone with information on the matter to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au. Callers may remain anonymous.

If you are, or have been a victim of sexual abuse, or have information about someone being abused, contact police on 131 444.