Newcastle photographer charged with sexually assaulting models during shoots
A 54-year-old Newcastle photographer has been charged following reports from several models that they were sexually assaulted during photoshoots.
NSW police began investigating complaints against the man after a 19-year-old woman told police she was sexually assaulted during a photography session at a studio in Sydney Street, Gateshead, in June.
Officers then seized a computer containing more than 300,000 images, a number of which were sexually explicit, which led them to two further women.
Police inspector Steve Gallagher said those two women, both now aged 25, also alleged they were assaulted during photo sessions in 2012 and 2017.
After executing a search warrant at the Gateshead home on Tuesday, and seizing further items, the man was arrested today in what police have called a disturbing case.
He was charged with eight counts of assault with act of indecency, four counts of sexual intercourse without consent, two counts of procuring a person not a prostitute for prostitution, and three counts of inciting a person 16 years or over to commit act of indecency.
Police said any other women who believe they have been assaulted by a Newcastle photographer should not be afraid to come forward.
"If anyone is out there who thinks that they have information … or they may indeed be a victim, they should contact Lake Macquarie detectives or Crime Stoppers and we will be very keen to speak with them."
The man was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday.