Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad are today announcing a $350,000 reward as part of their renewed investigation into a 1985 abduction and sexual assault in South Yarra.
They are also releasing to the public a re-creation of the female victim being grabbed off the street and thrown into a vehicle by the offenders in the hope it will jog the memory of any witnesses from the time.
An 18-year-old school girl was walking along Chapel Street, South Yarra after 10pm on the night of Friday 22 November, 1985.
She had a part-time job selling flowers to restaurants and was working that night.
Sometime after 10pm she was approached by a man who threatened her and pulled her towards a car with another man inside on Bray Street.
The victim put up a fight and struggled, however she was thrown into the vehicle where she was bound, gagged and blindfolded.
She was then driven to an unknown property where she was seriously sexually assaulted over a number of hours whilst still blindfolded.
It's believed at least three men were involved in the sexual assaults.
The victim was then driven to Yarra Boulevard in Richmond, where she was dumped some time around 1am on Saturday, 23 November.
She was able to make her way to a nearby house and the resident helped her call police.
The incident was investigated by police at the time, however no one was ever arrested or charged in relation to it.
Sadly, the victim passed away in November 2008.
Sexual Crimes Squad detectives commenced a review of the case in 2017, which led to the investigation being re-opened.
A $350,000 reward was approved and investigators also filmed a re-creation of the victim being grabbed on the street in South Yarra.
Officer in charge of the Sexual Crimes Squad, Detective Inspector Steve Wilson, said that he believes the reward and re-enactment could prove crucial in solving the case.
"This horrific incident may have happened over 30 years ago, however ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice remains as important to us as ever," he said.
"I absolutely believe that with the right information, it can be solved.
"Police are looking for anyone who might have witnessed the incident in Bray Street and can provide information about the men or the vehicle to come forward.
"We know that from the victim's statement, there was a man who made eye contact with her at the end of the street before getting to his vehicle and driving off.
"From what we've been able to find, he has never spoken to police however we believe he could have information that is crucial to this investigation.
"We'd also like to speak to anyone out there who has any other information about the incident or who was involved.
"I know we always say this but time can change a lot of things in people's lives - relationships change, but also someone out there could be living with the knowledge that they know something or saw something.
"Now is the time to come forward and tell us."
Police also believe it is possible that any witnesses or those with information may have moved interstate given the length of time that has passed since the incident.
Detective Inspector Wilson said the attack was particularly brutal and would have had a significant effect on the victim.
"Our victim was still at school at the time of the abduction and assault - she was really just a kid," he said.
"She was studying for her final year exams and ended up delaying them while she coped with the aftermath.
"I think she showed great strength of character to go on with her life the way she did, she lived overseas and was known as a very active person.
"I really hope that this reward and the renewed investigation honours her memory, and hopefully reinforces that we don't give up on these investigations no matter how much time has passed."
A reward of up to $350,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the abduction and sexual assault.
In appropriate cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions may consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
