69-year-old former youth-group bus driver charged with 54 historical sex offences – Sydney
Posted on July 27, 2010 by by valerirojas
A former volunteer bus driver involved in a church youth group has been arrested over allegations he sexually molested and assaulted young children during the 70s, 80s and 90s.
NSW Police Media Release:
Chatswood detectives arrested the man, now aged 69, at Bilpin, near Windsor in Sydney’s west at 8.15 this morning.
He was taken to Windsor Police Station and has been charged with 54 historical offences including charges of sexual assault, acts of indecency and indecent assaults.
He has been given conditional bail to appear at Windsor Local Court on August 18.
North Shore LAC Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Yeomans, said two men and two women have come forward and made statements to police alleging the abuse.
“These four people have made statements alleging acts of sexual and indecent assaults upon them between 1978 and 1992,” Det Insp Yeomans said.
“On a number of occasions it is alleged the man indecently touched or sexually molested the children as they sat on his lap while driving the mini bus to and from church activities.
“The man allegedly took children from the youth group on frequent bus trips to beaches, public swimming pools and cinemas.”
Several incidents of abuse allegedly occurred at the man’s then home address at Lane Cove and various other locations, including within the grounds of the Metropolitan Baptist Church – which until 1987 was located at Chatswood. The church has since relocated.
Police say there is no evidence at this stage to suggest church authorities were aware of the alleged abuse.
Det Insp Yeomans appealed for anyone with any information of these matters to come forward and contact police.
“Chatswood detectives have established Strike Force Dyer to investigate these allegations,” Det Insp Yeomans.
“These particular incidents allegedly took place some considerable time ago and if anyone has any information they believe may assist our inquiry we ask them to come forward.
“I would stress that any and all information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
