A man will reappear at court in October charged over an alleged historic sexual assault in the state’s south more than 30 years ago.
About 3.30am on Sunday 28 April 1991, a then 16-year-old teenage girl was walking along Docker Street, Wagga Wagga, when she was approached by two men unknown to her.
The men offered to walk her home before they allegedly grabbed the teenager and pushed her to the ground.
It’s further alleged the teenage girl was punched in the head before being sexually assaulted by both men.
The pair fled the scene on foot a short time later.
Officers from then Riverina Local Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation. Despite extensive investigations, no arrests have ever been made.
In 2021, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Erang to re-investigate the matter following further technological advancements to analyse DNA profiles.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives and Victoria Police arrested a 53-year-old man in East Melbourne last Wednesday (16 August 2023).
He was refused bail and appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Monday 21 August 2023), charged with the offences of inflict actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse with victim, and two counts of aggravated sexual assault – offender in company with other person/s.
During his appearance at Parramatta Local Court, he was granted conditional bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 19 October 2023.
Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty APM, said the technological advancements in genetics have made this arrest possible after more than three decades.
“Since 2021, investigators have reviewed and reanalysed intelligence, statements and forensic evidence, which subsequently provided the breakthrough we needed to further those inquiries,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“We want victim-survivors to know that detectives will not stop when investigating old matters, we will continue to use new technological capabilities to provide answers to victims. It’s important to report sexual assaults to police so vital physical evidence can be preserved.”
Investigations under Strike Force Erang are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Erang investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
