On Wednesday 17 July 2024, Special Crime Squad –Cold Case detectives charged a 54-year-old man with seven offences as a result of their investigation into two serious sexual assaults that occurred between 1990 and 1991.
It will be alleged on 13 June 1990, a 19-year-old woman left a bar located on Barrack Street in Perth, when she was grabbed by the man who held a knife to her throat before sexually assaulting her.
The second offence occurred in Kalgoorlie on 17 February 1991. A 17-year-old girl gave a lift to the man before he allegedly pulled a knife and forced her into the boot of the vehicle. It will be alleged he drove her to a secluded area in Boulder before sexually assaulting her.
The matter was referred to the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Team (IGG) in December 2023. Using ground-breaking Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) techniques and through the expertise of the PathWest Forensic Biology Department, the investigation was able to progress and a suspect was identified.
A 54-year-old man from Wanneroo has been charged with:
• Two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault;
• Two counts of Deprivation of Liberty;
• Two counts of Threats to Kill; and
• One count of Steal Motor Vehicle.
He is due to appear before the Perth Magistrates Court today, 18 July 2024.
The investigation is ongoing and detectives urge anyone with information relating to this matter, or any similar incidents, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au. Reports relating to sexual abuse can also be reported via the anonymous Safe2Say online reporting platform.
