Man charged with 33-year-old sexual assault cases

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Cold Case Special Unit charged a 54-year-old man with seven felony counts as part of its investigation into two serious sex crimes that occurred between 1990 and 1991.

According to the prosecution, on June 13, 1990, a 19-year-old woman left a bar on Barrack Street in Perth when she was grabbed and sexually assaulted by a man who held a knife to her throat.

The second offence occurred on February 17, 1991 in Kalgoorlie. A 17-year-old girl gave the man a ride before he allegedly pulled out a knife and forced her into the boot of his car. He allegedly drove her to a remote area in Boulder before sexually assaulting her.

The case was referred to the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Team (IGG) in December 2023. Using groundbreaking Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) techniques and the expertise of PathWest’s Forensic Biology Department, the investigation was advanced 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 cases of death threats; and

• A case of car theft.

He is due to appear in the Perth Local Court today, July 18, 2024.

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are asking anyone with information about this case or similar incidents to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperswa.com.au. Reports of sexual abuse can also be made through the anonymous online reporting platform Safe2Say.