WALLSEND MAN, 64, CHARGED WITH ONLINE CHILD GROOMING
Stephen Barry Bush, a 64-year-old man from Wallsend, has been charged with using a carriage service to procure a child under the age of 16 for sexual activity.He appeared in Newcastle Local Court and made a failed attempt to obtain bail; the request was denied by Magistrate Ian Cheetham.
Detective units from the State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad initiated online engagement with Mr Bush in July, during which they allege he used social media platforms to approach and groom young boys.
Following investigations, police attended a service station in Wallsend around 9 am on Thursday, where they arrested him.
Subsequently, officers searched his residence, seizing several electronic devices for forensic analysis.
Mr Bush was transported to Waratah police station and formally charged.
He is scheduled to appear again in court on August 30.
This operation is part of an ongoing investigation within the Strike Force Trawler, managed by the Child Exploitation Internet Unit, which targets internet-facilitated sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Authorities continue their inquiries and urge the public to report any suspected abuse or exploitation by contacting Crime Stoppers.
