Queensland Police charge 67-year-old Mango Hill man with grooming, rape offences

A former basketball coach is behind bars, charged with grooming a child a decade ago.

Queensland Police on Friday appealed to the public for further information into the case.

“Operation Xray Modern was established after a report was received by police on January 19,” the police said.

“Detectives from the Gateway Child Protection and Investigation Unit yesterday attended a Mango Hill address where a 67-year-old man was taken into custody.

“Police will allege the man used his position as a basketball coach to groom a child prior to them turning 16 years old.

“The man has been charged with seven counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of grooming a child under 16.”

The man has been refused bail and is expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon.

Mango Hill is a suburb in Brisbane’s outer north Moreton Bay region.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Lunney has urged anyone with further information or interactions of a similar nature to come forward.

“There may be someone out there with more information that could assist this investigation and we encourage you to come forward,” he said.

“If you have experience sexual violence, it is not your fault and you are not alone, there are multiple reporting and support options available to you.”

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