Townsville ADF member arrested in Sydney, accused of grooming child, possessing child pornography

Police in Sydney have arrested an Australian Defence Force member from Queensland for attempting to groom a child and possessing child pornography.

The 45 year old from Townsville was arrested on Thursday after a three month operation by the the NSW Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team.

Police will allege the man spoke to who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl in a series of sexually explicit conversations.

According to a statement from NSW Police, a search of the man also revealed an electronic storage device containing child pornography.

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The man was taken to the Mascot police station and charged.

He will face court to answer allegations of "using a carriage service to procure persons under 16 years of age contrary to Section 474.26 of the Criminal Code Act 1995(Cth), and Importing tier 2 goods, namely child pornography material, contrary to Section 233BAB of Customs Act 1901", police said.

If convicted the man could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

He was refused bail on Thursday and was due to face court again on Friday.

News break – August 26