Hostel guest denies attack

TWO other women staying at a Surfers Paradise hostel have contacted police to complain about a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 19-yearold backpacker on Saturday night.

The 45-year-old man was charged with one count of rape on Sunday and denied bail when he appeared in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday.

The court was told the Brisbane man had been travelling for much of the past year but intended to stay in Surfers Paradise for an extended period, living off his savings, before the alleged attack took place.

Defence lawyer Lisa Searing said the accused denied raping the teenager.

“He says it was consensual,” she said.

“There’s not a whole lot I can say.

“He’s made admissions to having sex with her.

“It’s going to be a very lengthy time before this matter is dealt with.

“He was staying at a backpackers and had intended on staying there for some time.”

The court was told there was evidence to suggest the victim was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

Two other women came forward to report encounters with the man since the complainant went to the police.

They did not want to make formal complaints but it is believed one woman told officers the man allegedly came into her room and got into her bed while she was sleeping.

Magistrate John Costanzo said it was alleged the man had a “history of inappropriately conducting himself … entering female’s beds or bedrooms and making concerning remarks.”

Ms Searing said there was nothing sinister about the allegations made by the other women.

She said they claimed “he’s a bit strange perhaps”.

Ms Searing argued her client had no criminal history and should be released on bail while mounting a defence to his charge.

“He has an address but it’s the offence location address,” she said.

“He’d like to be able to grab his belongings.

“I understand the CIB have taken his passport.”

Mr Costanzo remanded the man in custody.

His matter is scheduled to be heard in Southport Magistrates Court again on September 5.

The accused’s social media accounts depict a middle-aged man who purports to run a business at a Gold Coast address.