New sex assault report at Falls
A MAN has been arrested and charged by police in relation to a third sexual assault at the Falls Festival after a woman who was allegedly attacked tracked him down.
A 32-year-old Carlton man was been arrested and charged at the popular music festival at Marion Bay after a woman who reported the sexual assault turned him in to security.
The incident on Sunday — in which police say the man grabbed the female victim on the breast — was the third sexual assault complaint from this year’s festival, following multiple complaints last year. Tasmania Police say the latest incident occurred in the mosh pit of the festival’s Valley Stage about 9.30pm — when American indie folk band Fleet Foxes where due to play. Tasmania Police Senior Sergeant Darren Latham said that after the incident the woman and her friend identified the alleged perpetrator and informed security staff, who passed him to the police. “I can confirm that a 32year-old male has been arrested and charged in relation to an incident at Falls Festival in the mosh pit,” Senior Sergeant Latham said. “With that particular one, the woman involved ... and her friend … apprehended the male and then handed him to security, who then handed him to police to be investigated.”
“So it is encouraging that people are taking positive action, but we ... wish that this didn’t happen at all.”
Constable Damien Mcvilly said the man had been charged with indecent intent and been bailed to appear in court at a later date.
It follows two reports to police on Friday and Saturday of sexual assaults.
On Friday, a 19-year-old woman reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted during the Jungle Giants’ performance on the Valley Stage about 9.30pm.
In a separate incident on Saturday, another woman came forward claiming she had been sexually assaulted in the camping area — but she did not want police to formally investigate the matter.
But police will investigate elements of the incident.
Tasmania Police said it was disappointed by the reported incidents of inappropriate behaviour, but patrons were generally well behaved.
In a statement, Falls Festival co-producer Paul Piticco praised the actions of the woman in reporting the assault. “These incidences have been happening at mass gatherings for years and we are encouraged by the fact that this unacceptable behaviour is being identified and people are coming forward,” he said.
Police still encourage anyone with information to contact investigators at Bellerive CIB on (03) 6173 2318 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au