Police search for man missing after child exploitation charge

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:02 · Archive

Simon David Lince, 40, failed to appear in Perth Magistrates Court over allegations of sexual conversations with a child.

Simon David Lince, 40, failed to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday to face charges over allegations he had sexual conversations with a child. He was last seen on Elanora Drive in Rockingham at about 2.40pm on Thursday and has not been heard from since 3.30pm that day. WA Police hold concerns for his welfare and have appealed for information about his whereabouts.

The charges stem from an Australian Federal Police investigation. An AFP spokesperson said a tip-off was received in July by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation regarding a user on an instant messaging platform allegedly having 'sexualised communications with someone they believed to be a 12-year-old girl'. Investigators allege those conversations occurred in June and July. A search warrant was executed at a home in Cooloongup on October 6, where Mr Lince was arrested and subsequently released on conditional bail.

Mr Lince is described as approximately 190cm tall, of slim build, with brown eyes, short dark brown hair, a goatee and fair complexion. He was last seen wearing grey and white shorts, a dark t-shirt and black shoes, and was carrying a backpack. A warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to appear on two charges, including engaging in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service. Police urge anyone who sees him to contact them on 131 444.

How it is being reported

• Simon David Lince: Welfare concerns for man who failed to appear in court on child exploitation chargesHe was due to appear in court over allegations he had sexual conversations with a child.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 08:28
• Simon David Lince: Welfare concerns for man who failed to appear in court on child exploitation chargesHe was due to appear in court over allegations he had sexual conversations with a child.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 08:28

In this story: Simon David Lince · Perth Magistrates Court · Australian Federal Police · Rockingham · Cooloongup · Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation · WA Police

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