Sex attack accused out on bail
A TOWNSVILLE man charged with sexually assaulting a middle-aged woman has been released back into the community just days after he allegedly took advantage of her in her own home.
The 20-year-old man was granted bail in Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday after he was charged with sexual assault and trespass for the alleged attack on Saturday night.
The Women’s Centre co-ordinator Cathy Crawford said the traumatic impacts of sexual assaults weren’t a “one-size-fits-all” after police alleged it was a random attack.
A TOWNSVILLE man charged with sexually assaulting a middle-aged woman has been released back into the community just days after he allegedly took advantage of her in her own home.
The 20-year-old man was granted bail at Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday after he was charged with sexual assault and trespass for the alleged attack on Saturday night.
The Women’s Centre coordinator Cathy Crawford said the traumatic impacts of sexual assaults weren’t a “one-size-fits-all” after police alleged it was a random attack.
Police allege the Kirwan man walked into the 53-yearold woman’s house about 10.45pm and made “lewd comments” before sexually assaulting her.
He allegedly bolted from the Kirwan home shortly after and the woman called police.
Within three minutes of the tip-off, police closed down the area, deployed the dog squad and found a man on a pushbike nearby.
Inspector Sean Dugger did not delve into details of the alleged random attack, but said it was “distressing”.
“This is unacceptable behaviour by any person towards anyone and it’s one thing that police and members of the community won’t tolerate,” he said.
“I can only imagine that must have been very upsetting … so we’re hoping the actions of the police will go some way to … making her feel better.”
Ms Crawford said the best way to try to heal was to seek help from the experts.
“It is of course a traumatic thing at the time,” she said.
“Regardless of age, a sexual assault is a crime … but what we do know is that if people are provided with the right support there is an increased chance of healing.”
The organisation, which prides itself on empowering the region’s women, provides a 24-hour support service for sexual assault victims.
Ms Crawford said its “unique” service did whatever was needed to help victims and their families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The service remained open for these vulnerable women during the lockdown and was looking into any potential reporting trends that may have developed.
The man was granted bail at court yesterday and will appear again on July 7.
>>If you need support, call the Sexual Assault Response Team on 4759 9743.