A four-year-old girl was innocently playing at Cessnock Library when she was approached and assaulted by a man.
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Police allege an 18-year-old man, who was unknown to the victim, approached the young girl on Wednesday, May 6.
The man allegedly entered the children’s play area at the library and kissed and touched the girl before a witness challenged him.
The incident was reported to police and Child Abuse Squad detectives from Newcastle investigated the assault.
Police arrested an 18-year-old man over the incident at Cessnock police station on Friday. He was charged with the aggravated indecent assault of a child and was granted conditional bail.
The man is to appear at Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday, May 20.
Cessnock City Council, which owns the library where the assault took place, could not comment on the matter because it was before the courts.
“Library staff have assisted police with their inquiries,” a council spokeswoman said.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Reports can also be made to the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111.
The Child Abuse Squad is a specialist police unit that works with the Department of Family and Community Services and NSW Health to investigate crimes against children, including sexual assault, physical abuse and neglect.
