Australian indoor women's hockey coach faces sexual assault charges

Australian indoor women's hockey coach Lauren Austin is facing an array of sexual assault charges that allegedly occurred in the Perth metropolitan area, including when her alleged victim was a child.

Austin, who represented Australia as both a player and a coach, has been charged with five offences including one count of sexual penetration without consent.

Austen, who is in her 30's, was appointed coach of the indoor hockey side in January, four years after retiring as a player.

She coached Australia during its tour of the United States in March, forming part of the program's preparation for the Indoor World Cup which will be held in Croatia in February.

A WA police spokesman told the ABC "The alleged offences occurred on several different dates, at locations in the Perth metropolitan area, including when the female victim was both an adult and a juvenile.

"At the time of the alleged offences the woman held a coaching position with a national sporting team."

Hockey Australia released a statement noting “it was aware that a matter has been reported to the authorities and is currently subject to investigation and/or legal proceedings".

"We have fully cooperated with the relevant authorities and have taken appropriate steps to mitigate any risk to our participants.

"To protect the integrity of the process and the interests of all parties, no further information will be provided at this time."

Austin is due to appear in court on Friday.