Trial for alleged rapist
Man to fight charges over aged care assault
A MAN accused of raping an elderly woman inside a Geelong aged care home has been committed to stand trial.
Shane Huici, 23, of St Albans Park, appeared on Friday at Melbourne Magistrates Court where he formally pleaded not guilty to charges including rape, sexual assault and recklessly causing injury.
Mr Huici is accused of targeting an elderly woman while she was asleep at Tannoch Brae Aged Care in St Albans Park.
It is alleged the forklift driver climbed into the facility through an unlocked window and raped the woman in her bed in the early hours of August 15, 2021.
The woman allegedly woke to find Mr Huici pinning her to the bed before managing to activate a duress alarm to alert staff.
She was taken to hospital following the alleged rape with injuries including a tear to her forearm and several cuts to her lip. Mr Huici, who faced court via video link from prison, has been in custody since he was arrested the day after the alleged incident.
He was charged after police issued a public appeal for information that included the release of a facial composite depicting the offender.
During Friday’s hearing, Magistrate Johanna Metcalf committed him to trial in the County Court after stating she had reviewed the evidence.
“I’m satisfied there is evidence of sufficient weight to support a conviction for the offences before the court,” Ms Metcalf said.
Mr Huici spoke only briefly during the hearing to confirm his plea and that he understood the court procedure.
A court hearing last month was told the police case against the accused man involved DNA and other evidence.
It is alleged Mr Huici’s fingerprints were found on a bedhead belonging to the victim, as well as on internal and external windows in an adjacent room.
Police also allege that a key to another room in the nursing home was found in his bedside drawer.
Sperm fractions taken following an examination of the victim also allegedly matched his DNA profile.
Mr Huici made no application for bail on Friday and was remanded to face the County Court for a directions hearing on February 14.