Ten-year-old boy released after sexual assault by tourist

A 10-year-old boy has been released from custody after being accused of sexually assaulting an Italian tourist in a Far North Queensland holiday hotspot.

The teenager has been charged with multiple offenses after the 23-year-old woman was allegedly attacked in the Cairns CBD on Wednesday morning.

The woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by the 10-year-old in the city center before being attacked by a group of youths as she called the police.

“It would have been a frightening situation for her,” Detective Inspector Kevin Goan told reporters on Thursday.

“This doesn’t happen very often at all. I cannot imagine any other case in which a young boy would have committed such an offense.”

Police said the woman was “going about her business” and walked past the boy in the Cairns CBD when he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The woman called police but was allegedly attacked. The 10-year-old and several other teenagers were accused of hitting her and throwing objects.

The woman suffered bruises and scratches on her head and face.

“Undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the young lady,” Det Insp Goan said.

“The young age of the perpetrators is disgusting. People have the right to conduct their business in our community.”

Officers responded to a report of an assault at the corner of Lake and Spence streets after 10 a.m., police said.

The boy, who was known to police, was arrested within four minutes.

He was accused of sexual assault, common assault and assault in society.

“It sounds like a very disturbing story,” Queensland Premier Steven Miles told reporters on Thursday.

“As far as I know, the police acted quickly and arrested the alleged perpetrator.”

The 10-year-old was later released from custody to his home after being placed under the juvenile justice system.

A girl described as “one of the other main perpetrators” in the incident was also treated and released.

“I can tell you that there are three other individuals that we have yet to deal with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act,” Det Insp Goan said.

He said the Italian tourist was “fine” now.