A 44-year-old man has been charged after allegedly following a 12-year-old girl through Sydney’s Inner West, with NSW Police announcing the arrest and charges on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Police said the incident began in Redfern on Tuesday morning before continuing through Newtown and Lewisham.

According to NSW Police, the girl was walking along Elizabeth Street in Redfern at about 7:45am on Tuesday, 22 September, when an unknown man allegedly approached her and spoke to her. She continued walking away, but police allege the man then followed her along Turner, Regent and Redfern streets.

Police allege the man made several inappropriate comments while following the girl. The situation continued when the girl entered Newtown Railway Station and boarded a train. The man allegedly boarded the same train.

The girl attempted to avoid him by getting off at Newtown Railway Station and boarding another train. Police allege the man continued following her. She eventually travelled towards Lewisham Railway Station, where staff from a nearby school were able to assist her. The man left the station before police arrived.

Inner West detectives began investigating after receiving the report. Following inquiries, officers arrested a 44-year-old man on King Street, Newtown, at approximately 4:30am on Wednesday, 23 September.

The man was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal) and breach of bail. NSW Police said he was refused bail and appeared before the Bail Division Court 6 on Wednesday. He was subsequently formally refused bail and is scheduled to appear at Newtown Local Court on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

The case remains before the courts, and the allegations have not been proven. Police have not publicly identified the girl, and no identifying information about her has been released.

The incident highlights the role of school staff and members of the public in helping a young person who believes they are being followed. In this case, assistance was provided when the girl reached Lewisham, allowing police to be contacted and the investigation to proceed.

NSW Police announced the charge at 12:37pm on Wednesday, making it one of the latest Sydney crime developments released by the force today. The incident covers several Inner West locations, including Redfern, Newtown and Lewisham.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The accused man's next listed court appearance is 29 September at Newtown Local Court.