Queensland man charged with 596 child abuse offences allegedly groomed children online, police say

<p>The 27-year-old man from Maryborough is alleged to have had 23,000 photographs and videos stored on a hard drive</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/feb/05/australian-politics-live-anthony-albanese-sussan-ley-labor-liberal-question-time-chalmers-budget-cost-of-living-marles-defence-leadership-challenge-spill-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Police say a Queensland man charged with 596 child abuse offences used false identities online to groom and coerce children – mostly aged seven to 15 – in Australia and overseas.</p><p>The 27-year-old man from Maryborough – due to appear in a Brisbane court today – was arrested in February 2025 and refused bail.</p><p><em>In Australia, the crisis support service <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> is 13 11 14. If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit <a href="http://www.1800respect.org.au/">www.1800RESPECT.org.au</a>. In an emergency, call 000. International helplines can be found via <a href="http://www.befrienders.org/">www.befrienders.org</a>. The Stop It Now! helpline is 1800 011 800.</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/05/maryborough-man-queensland-charged-596-child-abuse-offences-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>

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