Alleged rapist bailed but must leave region

A MAN was granted bail after he was allegedly seen dragging a young woman down a Kingaroy street before raping her, a court heard.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had his case mentioned in Murgon Magistrates Court on October 20, after he was charged with one count of rape.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Pepe Gangemi said “the actions of this particular individual were predatory in nature”.

“He has focused his attention on the victim and has been seen dragging her through the streets,” Sergeant Gangemi told the court.

According to Sergeant Gangemi, one of the four witnesses recalled hearing someone call out, which caused him to investigate the commotion.

“The risk is in his brazenness of offending and that there are no conditions the court can impose that would ameliorate the risk to other young women in the community,” Sergeant Gangemi said.

Defence lawyer C.J. Main said the defendant had no prior history so it could not be assumed he would reoffend or that he would attempt to interfere with the witnesses’ or complainants’ testimonies.

“The position for a bail application is to assess risk and not to essentially trial the charge,” Mr Main said.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair granted bail under the condition he take up residence outside Kingaroy and only return for court purposes. He must also abstain from contacting the victim and witnesses.

The case was scheduled for mention at Kingaroy Magistrates Court on December 14.