Police are appealing for public assistance in the investigation of a sexual assault of a woman by four men in Brighton more than 40 years ago.
One man was jailed over rape and other offences in 2016 after he was identified following advancements in DNA technology, but police are still hunting for three other offenders.
Police say four men forced the 19-year-old woman into a Ford sedan about 2am on the morning of Sunday, December 12, 1982, near Redan Street in St Kilda while she was trying to hail a taxi. They drove her to a deserted spot by Brighton Beach foreshore and sexually assaulted her.
Police are seeking public assistance to solve the case.Credit:Paul Rovere
The men pushed the woman out of the car and fled the scene, police said. Three passersby – two women and a man – drove the victim to an inner-city police station.
An investigation at the time recovered some forensic exhibits, including DNA, which was stored in the cold-case freezer at the Victoria Police Forensics Services Department.
In 2012, following advancements in DNA technology, the forensic exhibit was re-tested and matched the DNA profile of an alleged offender who was already in the system for unrelated offending.
The identified offender, a 51-year-old man, was convicted of abduction, false imprisonment, three counts of rape and aggravated rape in 2016. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with a minimum term of five years.
The investigation has remained open and police are continuing to search for the other three men believed to have been involved in the incident.
“While someone has already been charged in relation to this assault, that does not mean the investigation ends there,” Detective Inspector Mark Burnett of the sexual crimes squad said.
“We believe there were three other men involved in this incident, and we are determined to pursue every avenue of inquiry we can to provide answers to the victim after over 40 years.”
Burnett said the victim has suffered each day since the attack.
“This attack had life-changing consequences for her. She still suffers the physical and emotional impacts of this on a daily basis,” he said.
“If you know anything about this incident, then now is the time for you to come forward and speak to us.
“Historical sexual offending matters are incredibly complex, but we know people’s circumstances can change over time, and this appeal might be the prompt needed to help close a terrible chapter in someone’s life.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Most Viewed in National
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article