Stockton man charged with 21 historical child sexual assault offences

A 78-year-old man has been arrested in Stockton and charged with 21 counts of historical child sexual offences. The charges stem from an investigation conducted by Strike Force Franbach, which was established in May by Mid North Coast Police to look into multiple reports of sexual assaults occurring in Bellangry, west of Port Macquarie, between 1980 and 1990.

Following a search of a residence on Mitchell Street in Stockton on September 24, detectives from the Mid North Coast and Newcastle City Police Districts seized several items for forensic examination. The accused faces various charges, including aggravated sexual assault related to domestic violence, sexual assault of persons under 16, and aggravated indecency.

The man was refused bail following a court appearance on September 25 and is scheduled to appear before the Port Macquarie Local Court in November.