An Australian swimming coach is facing numerous charges after police say he sexually assaulted a little girl, 8, and touched her 6-year-old sister inappropriately.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Sydney University student, 20-year-old Kyle Daniels, is charged with “sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10” and “intentionally sexually touching a child under 10.” He was arrested at his home in Balgowlah on Tuesday.
According to police, security footage caught Daniels touching a 6-year-old girl at the the Mosman Swim Centre in Sydney on February 2, where he was giving the child swimming lessons. Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said the other child told her parents that Daniels sexually assaulted her. On February 14, he was charged with raping the 8-year-old.
“These young brave kids put their hands up to mum and dad and said, ‘Something happened,'” Kerlatec told reporters. “That is exceptionally brave.”
According to DailyMail, authorities with Australia’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad were the one who found the CCTV video footage that allegedly showed the suspect caught in the act of touching the 6-year-old. Detectives spent a month obtaining evidence and information before arresting Daniels.
The owner of the swimming pool reportedly said Daniels was a “lovely boy” from a good family, and that the charges came as a complete surprise.
“Lovely boy, always polite. He’s from a good family, I just hope they survive what they are going through.”
Police obtained an Apprehended Violence Order against Daniels, which states he’s no longer allowed at Mosman Swim Centre. The swim center suspended Daniels from employment prior to his arrest, after the little girls’ parents called and made a complaint against him.
Daniels remains behind bars without bail. He’s scheduled for a hearing at Manly Local Court on March 20.
[Feature Photo: Pixabay]
