Man accused of child abuse had 23-year outstanding arrest warrant
A 58-year-old was accused of child abuse. He also had an arrest warrant from 2003. It was for dangerous driving.
A 58-year-old from northern NSW was granted bail in the ACT Magistrates Court. He was accused of indecently assaulting two children, aged 11 and 4, at a Canberra home between January and September.
The court heard he had an arrest warrant from 2003 for dangerous driving. He faces three charges of committing an act of indecency on a child.
He is set to return to court next month.
- 23 years old, issued in 2003
- Warrant age
- Two children, aged 11 and 4
- Alleged victims
- January to September 2026 at Canberra home
- Abuse period
- November 10, conditions to live in NSW
- Bail granted
Why it mattersThe case shows gaps in police record-keeping. Outstanding warrants can go unresolved for decades. This can allow accused people to remain at large.
AustraliaNSW and ACT courts are now handling the case, raising questions about how law enforcement shares information across state borders on outstanding warrants.
