Two men charged over alleged sexual assaults of teenage girls near Newcastle

Detectives have charged two men over the alleged sexual assaults of two teenage girls in the Hunter region earlier this month.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports two girls, aged 14 and 17, had been physically and sexually assaulted by two unknown men at Glendale on Friday 2 October 2020.
Investigators were told the girls were walking along Frederick Street with two other friends when they were approached by the men, who made threats toward the group before allegedly sexually touching the girls and then allegedly sexually assaulting them.
The girl’s friends went to get help before the 17-year-old girl was able to run to a nearby shop and returned with staff members who assisted the younger girl.
Emergency services were contacted, and the men fled the scene.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed two search warrants at homes at Argenton and Williamtown about 6am yesterday (Tuesday 20 October 2020).
During the searches, police seized a number of items relevant to the investigation, as well as cannabis and a cannabis plant, which was located at the Williamtown property.
Two men – aged 19 and 24 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station.
The 24-year-old Williamtown man was charged with sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, aggravated sexual intercourse child aged 14-16 years, assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence, intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16, aggravated intentionally do sexual act with child aged 10-16, two counts of incite another to sexually touch them without consent, cultivate prohibited plant and possess prohibited drug.
The 19-year-old Argenton man was charged with aggravated sex assault-victim under the age of 16 years, assault child aged 14-16 with intent to commit sexual offence, and three counts of intentionally sexually touch child aged 10-16.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 21 October 2020).