A 78-year-old man accused of indecent treatment of a child and attempted rape in a park toilet block has broken his silence.
The police were called to a park about Raymond Terrance in Deception Bay, in Moreton Bay, Queensland, on 15 February after reports that a 12-year-old girl would have attacked.
Detectives claim that a group of people socialized in the park when the 78-year-old Colin Behan was seen in a toilet block on his mobility scooter with a young girl.
It is claimed that a witness intervened and the incident was reported to the police.
The police believe that the victim, who is younger than 12 years, and do not immediately know together but have regularly visited the same park.
Behan was arrested the next day and accused of two counts of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 12 and one count of attempted rape.
He will be confronted with Redcliffe Magistrates Court on 5 March and received bail on the condition that he will stay away from the park and his alleged victim.
Behan fiercely denied that he was trying to rap the child and claimed that he was 'unable to do things like that'.
Colin Behan, 78, was accused of two counts of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 12 and one counting of attempted rape after reporting a young girl in a park toilet block was said to have been abused
“I'm just ashamed of what happened,” Behan told 9News.
“That is something I should never have done, I should never have touched her. She is the one who came to me, I didn't go to her.
“I don't know how to describe it, I don't know what to say … I wasn't trying to do anything.”
The 78-year-old added that he hates 'pedophilia', but admitted that he had touched a child.
Detective inspector Phil Hurst said that the police believe that there could be more victims and urged them to talk and report with their parents.
“Because these alleged offenses were committed in a public place, I insist on everyone who has seen suspicious activities to contact the police,” said Detective inspector Hurst.
'Remember that reporting sexual offenses against children is mandatory and that this does not do is a criminal offense.
“Every child who may have had a similar experience is also encouraged to talk to their parents and make it again for the police – all victims will be listened to and supported.”
Detectives claim that a group of people socialized in the park when Behan was seen in a toilet block on his mobility scooter with a young girl before a witness intervened
Detective inspector Hurst praised the Redcliffe Child Protection and Investigation Unit for their quick action.
If you have experienced sexual abuse, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are several ways to report what happened to you, depending on your situation.
If there is an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report to a police station online, by telephone or Face -TOFACE.
For confidential information, counseling and support, call the state-wide helpline for sexual violence on 1800 010 120 or 1800 respect for 24-hour help.
