CONTENT WARNING: The following contains descriptions of sexual violence. If you feel distressed by this story, or if you or someone you know has been affected by sexual or domestic violence, you can speak to a friendly counsellor at 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
An 18-year-old man from Victoria has been denied bail after allegedly committing at least eight sexual assaults in a half-hour period at the Gold Coast on Tuesday, with more victims possibly still to come forward.
Police say that the Geelong man approached three separate groups of girls and women, aged between 15 and 24, who were swimming between the flags at Surfers Paradise.
It is alleged that the man assaulted the women while swimming between them; two have told police that he attempted to digitally rape them while in the water.
The man, a trainee mechanic, appeared at Southport Magistrates Court today and has been charged with seven counts of sexual assault, two of attempted rape, and four of common assault.
Per reports in Brisbane Times, the man claimed that he was flailing about in rough surf and grabbing on to his victims in order to protect himself, but magistrate John Costanzo rejected this explanation as “implausible.”
Due to the “brazen” nature of his broad daylight attacks, he was deemed to be at an “unacceptable risk of re-offending”, and he was denied bail. Costanzo said that the man’s behaviour indicates he has “great difficulty controlling his sexual instincts.”
The case will be adjourned until February 11; police believe that, due to the nature of the attacks and the crowds at the beach, there may be more victims, and have urged anyone who may have experienced anything related to this to come forward.
Story: Brisbane Times
Photo: Chris Hyde / Getty
