A wanted man captured on the Mitchell Highway has appeared in Dubbo Local Court on multiple sexual assault and weapons charges.
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Rodney Brian Griffiths, 47, did not enter pleas to four counts of aggravated sexual assault on a victim under the age of 16, three counts of indecent assault on a person under the age of 16 and single charges of carrying a cutting weapon upon apprehension, having goods in custody suspected of being stolen, possessing a loaded firearm in a public place and possessing ammunition without permit, licence or authority.
He was wanted on a warrant for aggravated sexual offences allegedly committed at Narromine.
Magistrate Michael Price adjourned the charges to February 16.
There was no application for bail which was formally refused by the court.
A tip-off from a member of the public has helped apprehend a wanted man in Dubbo allegedly found with a gun in his backpack.
NSW Police issued a statewide alert on Saturday, seeking information about the whereabouts of Griffiths.
Orana Local Area Command Inspector Paul Stephens confirmed police had taken him into custody on Tuesday morning.
They had been called to the Mitchell Highway about 10.45am following reports Griffiths had been seen walking along the side of the road near Dubbo airport, he said.
Officers raced to the scene and spoke to the 47-year-old man where they established his identity and confirmed he was wanted on a warrant for aggravated sexual offences allegedly committed at Narromine.
During a search of his backpack police allegedly located a .22 calibre firearm, boxes of ammunition, two knives and cash.
He was arrested and taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was charged by virtue of the warrant.
Griffiths is also charged with carry cutting weapon upon apprehension, possess loaded firearm, possess ammunition and goods in custody.
He was refused bail and will appear in Dubbo Local Court today.
Griffiths was the subject of a statewide police alert earlier this year.
On Saturday, October 11, police appealed for information about his whereabouts after the family of the Walgett man reported him missing.
He had last been seen at Lightning Ridge in the early hours of the previous Thursday and at the time there were concerns for his welfare because he required medication for a pre-existing medical condition.
