WARNING: The following article contains distressing content, including information about the alleged abuse of children.
Two men have been arrested in separate incidents involving children in central Queensland.
On May 26, a 44-year-old man was taken into custody following an investigation into alleged drug and weapon offences at a property in Emerald, located west of Rockhampton. During the search, police confiscated a mobile phone reportedly containing an image of two young children restrained with duct tape. Allegations suggest the man is seen pointing a firearm at the children in the photograph, which was also purportedly shared with others. The children, both aged three, are known to the man but are not related to him. Fortunately, they are reported to be safe. The man faces charges including possession of an unlawful weapon, dangerous conduct, and two counts of deprivation of liberty. He has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court in August.
In an unrelated case, a 59-year-old man was arrested on July 18 after community concerns led to an investigation. Authorities allege that, from June to July, the man supplied dangerous drugs to a child and committed sexual offences against them. He faces multiple charges, including rape, grooming a minor, supplying drugs to a child, and breaching bail. The man was denied bail and is expected to appear in court today.
Support services for those affected by such issues are available, including the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).