Ten-year-old boy charged with sexual assault of Italian tourist in Australia

Australian police have charged a 10-year-old boy with sexually assaulting a 24-year-old Italian tourist in Queensland.

The boy was part of a group of youths who allegedly attacked the tourist in Cairns’ central business district on Wednesday morning.

“This really sounds like a very disturbing story,” Queensland Premier Steven Miles said on Thursday.

“As far as I know, the police reacted quickly and arrested the suspected perpetrator.”

The woman was walking down a street when the boy allegedly attacked her along with three other teenagers, police said.

She reported the incident to police after 10 a.m. at the corner of Lake and Shields Streets.

“Undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the young woman,” Detective Inspector Kevin Goan told reporters. The woman suffered bruises and scratches on her head and face as a result of the alleged sexual assault.

While the woman was on the phone with the police, the youths threw objects at her and repeatedly beat her, Mr Goan said.

“She suffered minor injuries, but it must have been a frightening situation for her.”

“The young age of the perpetrators is abhorrent. People have the right to go about their business in our community,” said Mr Goan.

The accused youths, including the 10-year-old from Manoora, have been arrested and investigations are ongoing, police said.

The 10-year-old was later released home. 9News reported.

He was charged with sexual assault, assault and battery in company.

“We know who they are and we know where they are. So our concern is to deal with them in a way that the youth justice law allows,” Mr Goan said.

Regarding the boy’s age, he said: “This is not at all common. I cannot think of any other case in which a young boy has committed such an offence.”