Teen, 13, charged over alleged sexual assault of woman in her 80s at East Maitland park

19 November 2025

newy.com.au – A 13-year-old boy has been charged after an alleged sexual assault on a woman in her 80s at Brooklyn Park in East Maitland on Monday night.

NSW Police said detectives from Port Stephens–Hunter Police District and the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad formed Strike Force Bosgar to investigate the park attack, which they allege left the elderly woman needing hospital treatment and prompted a public appeal for information.

Police said the woman was walking through Brooklyn Park about 7.20pm on Monday 17 November 2025 when she was allegedly knocked to the ground and sexually assaulted by a male.

The male allegedly left the scene a short time later and the woman returned home, where a family member contacted authorities. The woman, who is in her 80s, was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, police said.

Following what police described as extensive inquiries, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in East Maitland about 7.40pm on Tuesday night. A 13-year-old boy was arrested at the home and taken to Maitland Police Station.

There he was charged with aggravated sexual assault, inflict actual bodily harm on victim, sexually touching another person without consent, and incite another to sexually touch them without consent. Police said he was refused bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

As part of the investigation, police had earlier released a description of a teenage boy they believed could assist with inquiries. At the time, investigators said he was described as being in his mid to late teens, wearing a black T-shirt and black shorts, and leaving the scene on a push scooter.

Officers have appealed to anyone who was in or around Brooklyn Park between 7pm and 8pm on Monday, including local residents, drivers and walkers to review any CCTV or dashcam footage for material that could help the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website.