Boy charged over child abuse and extremist material
Melissa Meehan |
A teenage boy has been charged with possessing violent extremism and child exploitation material, months after he was charged with torture.
The 15-year-old Gold Coast boy was first arrested in September over alleged torture and indecent treatment offences by child protection and investigation unit detectives.
After further investigation by the CPIU and counter terrorism investigation unit, the boy was charged again on February 28, with one count of possessing child exploitation material and one count of possessing violent extremism material.
Little detail has been provided by police in relation to the charges, but The Gold Coast Bulletin and Courier Mail reported that the boy allegedly sent extremist material to other children online.
Detective Superintendent Chris Ahearn said Queensland Police will continue to target this type of behaviour.
“Everyone in Queensland has a right to feel safe, to not feel threatened or victimised,” Det Supt Chris Ahearn said.
“The QPS is well positioned to monitor and assess both individuals and groups who may pose a threat to the safety and security of all Queenslanders.”
The teenager was bailed and is expected to appear in a children’s court on March 25.
AAP