Northern Territory Police Sex Crimes Detectives and General Duties Police Officers in Palmerston have arrested a 49-year-old male in possession of child abuse material.

Superintendent Jo Foley of the Sex Crimes Division said the man was arrested whilst attempting to meet up with the 15-year-old girl yesterday.

“Text messages between the two were discovered by the child’s mother who was quite rightly curious about the nature of the conversation,” Superintendent Foley said.

“The mother engaged in a text message conversation with the man whilst pretending to be the child and in doing so, she arranged to meet the male at an agreed location.

“Both of the girl’s parents attended the location and after seeing the man, contacted Police.

"The child’s parents were right to be concerned about the text messages they discovered and the intervention has likely prevented a further serious crime from occurring.

“Parents can help to keep their children safe from predators by educating them about the serious consequences of mobile phone misuse such as ‘sexting’.

The man was charged with possess child abuse material and possess a prohibited weapon and he is to appear in the Darwin Magistrate’s Court today.

If you believe a child may be at risk of harm, contact NT Police on 131 444. You can also seek further advice from police by phoning 131 444 and providing details requesting a call back from the Sex Crimes Section.  Alternatively you can remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers toll free on 1800 333 000.

If a child is in immediate danger, always contact NT Police on triple zero (000).

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Amy Sloan
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