Alleged sex assault caught on taxi CCTV
POLICE are searching for this man, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 20-yearold Gold Coast woman while she was asleep during a taxi ride.
Footage of the man, clearly depicting his face, was yesterday released to the public as investigations continue.
The alleged attack happened just before 4am on August 25 and lasted more than two minutes.
Palm Beach Police Station officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Gavin Peachey said the woman was picked-up by a 51-year-old taxi driver outside a Broadbeach establishment when the unknown man approached the vehicle.
The man asked if they were headed in the direction of Tallebudgera and entered the rear of the taxi.
“On their way to Palm Beach, the man started to assault the female from the back seat, reaching to the front seat where she has fallen asleep,” Sen-Sgt Peachey alleged. “A short time later she’s arrived to her destination, the man has got out of the back of the taxi and tried to encourage the lady to get out with him.
“The taxi driver was worried by this and he was concerned for the female passenger. He accelerated away from the Tahiti Ave address at Palm Beach.
“It appears the male passenger has grabbed the side door and the door fell off its hinges.”
The woman only found out she had been sexually assaulted when police told her, Sen-Sgt Peachey said.
“She’s obviously distressed by it, it’s not a nice thing,” he said. “You’ve fallen asleep, you think you’re safe only to be told later while you were sleeping somebody has taken advantage of you.”
Police said they had no information about the alleged attacker other than his appearance.
“We haven’t had any luck in identifying him, that’s why we are asking for the public’s help to identify this person.
“The CCTV footage is very clear and we are hoping to find this person and get his version of what had occurred.”
Police are now appealing to anyone who knows the identity of the man to come forward.
Sen-Sgt Peachey said the indecent assault was also captured on camera.
If you have any information for police call Policelink on 131 444.