Ten-year-old boy charged over alleged sexual assault of Italian tourist in Cairns
A 10-year-old boy has been charged over an Italian tourist’s alleged sexual assault in a far north Queensland holiday hotspot.
The 24-year-old woman was also allegedly attacked by a group of juveniles in the Cairns central business district when she tried to raise the alarm on Wednesday morning.
“It does sound like a very disturbing story,” the Queensland premier, Steven Miles, told reporters on Thursday.
“I understand the police have acted swiftly and apprehended the alleged offender.” Police said the woman was walking past the boy in the Cairns city centre when he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
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She called the police before being set upon by the 10-year-old, along with three other juveniles, police allege.
The woman suffered minor bruising and scratches to her head and face.
“No doubt a traumatic experience for the young lady,” Det Insp Kevin Goan told reporters.
“The young age of the [alleged] offenders is abhorrent. People are entitled to go about their business in our community.”
Officers responded to a report of an assault on the corner of Lake and Shields streets after 10am, police said.
The boy was arrested along with three other youths “within minutes”, with all four known to police.
The 10-year-old was charged with sexual assault, common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm while in company.
Police said no one else had been charged, but the investigation was continuing.
• Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html