Man charged with attempting to groom child on social media

A specialist squad of police - codenamed Strike Force Trawler - raided a home at Medowie about 7.30am on Thursday, June 27, after a month-long investigation.

Detectives arrested 52-year-old Michael O'Brien at the scene and seized an electronic device.

Strike force detectives launched an investigation into the man in May after he allegedly attempted to groom a child online using social media.

Extensive investigations led them to O'Brien at a Medowie home on Thursday, police said.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with using a carriage service to groom or procure a person under 16, and four counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations.

He was refused bail and spent the night in custody before fronting Newcastle Local Court for the first time on Friday, June 28.

He was formally refused bail by a magistrate at that time and was remanded in custody until his next court date in August.

Investigations under Strike Force Trawler continue.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of children, facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.