An 83-year-old man has spent the night behind bars after being charged in relation to alleged historical child sexual assault offences.

Child Protection Detectives allege the offences relate to one victim child between 1966 and 1972 in the Townsville area.

The Scenic Rim man has been charged with 16 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 14.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

Want more? Get more from Galey & Emily Jade