TERRIFYING TORTURE
Woman, 32, allegedly raped and badly hurt at Yarrabah
A 38-year-old man has been locked up and charged after he was accused of luring a woman, 32, from Melbourne and then allegedly raping and torturing her.
He was denied bail and charged with rape, torture and assault occasioning bodily harm.
It is alleged he attacked the woman at Yarrabah, 12km east of Cairns, on December 18. She has been treated at Cairns Hospital for a fractured arm, a broken finger and other injuries.
A “VIOLENT offender” accused of luring a woman from Melbourne to a Far North community, then raping and torturing her, has been deemed a risk to community safety.
The 38-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was denied bail in Cairns Magistrates Court yesterday where he faced charges of rape, torture and assault occasioning bodily harm.
It is alleged he attacked the 32-year-old woman at a Yarrabah residence on December 18 after meeting her in Melbourne a week earlier and inviting her north.
She was treated in Cairns Hospital after suffering a fractured arm, broken finger and other injuries.
The court heard yesterday he is denying the allegations and defence solicitor Steve Carter said his client also refutes “luring” her to the Far North.
“He’s only known the complainant for a week. They’re not in a relationship,” he said.
“He didn’t lure her, he felt sorry for her ... He found her lost in Melbourne and offered for her to stay with him.”
Police prosecutor Acting Sgt Amy Rennie said police objected to his release amid concerns he may reoffend or endanger the safety of the public.
She said he had only completed a parole order two months before the alleged incident and had previously served jail time for violent offences.
“He’s looking at a significant term of imprisonment if found guilty,” she said.
Acting Magistrate Raimund Heggie agreed with the risk to the community and said there were no bail conditions that could be put in place to mitigate it.
“The defendant is by his history a serious violent offender and this is a serious violent offence,” he said.
“There is a strong police case.”
He also ordered the man to undergo a disease test.
Speaking outside court, Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh said the woman reported the incident to police the day it allegedly occurred.
He said police started an investigation before finding and charging the man on Saturday.
“This would have been a terrifying incident for the victim, who is a long way from family and friends,” he said.
“She has been offered, and is receiving, support.”
The case was adjourned until February 21.