Additional charges laid against Sydney-based artist over sexual assaults, NSW

Detectives have laid 11 additional charges against a Sydney-based artist as part of an investigation into a series of historic alleged sexual assaults in Sydney.

In January, detectives from Surry Hills Police Area Command established Strike Force Freestone to investigate a number of reports of sexual assault in the local area over a three-year period, which they believed may have been linked.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed search warrants at a home at Darlinghurst and an industrial space at Marrickville on Tuesday 10 March 2020, where a number of items were seized.

Detectives charged a 40-year-old with 18 offences. He remains before the courts.

Following further investigations and the analysis of seized items, which included 1.8g lysergide (LSD), ice, ketamine, and a range of prescription medications, an additional 11 offences will be laid at court today (Thursday 18 June 2020).

The charges include assault with act of indecency, supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity, three counts of possess prescribed restricted substance, five counts of possess prohibited drug, and supply prohibited drug.

Police will allege in court that the man indecently assaulted a then aged 21-year-old woman at a Waterloo studio in July 2015.

The man remains on conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court.

Investigations are continuing.

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