Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad are today announcing a $500,000 reward for information in relation to a sexual assault in a Melbourne CBD laneway last year.
A woman in her late teens wearing a black jacket was walking along Flinders Street towards Swanston Street to catch a tram shortly after 1.45am on Saturday, 9 June.
As she walked past a bar situated below a hostel between Elizabeth Street and Degraves Street, a man exited the building and started to walk alongside her.
He then placed his arm around her shoulders and neck and engaged her in a short conversation as they continued to walk towards Swanston Street.
As the pair approached the Metro Tunnel works, the man pulled the woman to him and kissed her.
She pushed him away and continued to walk towards Swanston Street, however the man kept his arm around her shoulders and neck.
Once they passed the works, the man dragged the victim into an alleyway behind high metal gates, locked the gates, then sexually assaulted her.
The woman managed to scream and was able to run away from the man and out the gates on to Flinders Street.
Police believe a number of people saw her running from the scene along Swanston Street to Flinders Lane as the area was still quite busy.
At Flinders Lane, three males approached the woman to assist as she was visibly distressed.
They were able to help her contact a friend and arrange transport home.
Detectives understand the woman did not tell the males she had been sexually assaulted.
The victim described the man involved in the sexual assault as being aged in his early 20s, around 178cm tall with a lean build, dark brown skin and short hair.
At the time of the incident he was wearing a dark coloured jacket and long pants.
Last year detectives made a number of appeals for information and released footage and images of a man they believe may have possibly spoken with the victim around the time of the incident.
That man is yet to be located and detectives are today re-releasing the footage in the hope the man will be able to come forward and provide them with information that will assist the investigation.
They would also like to speak to anyone who can identify this man.
He is described as being African in appearance and was wearing a black puffy jacket with red lining, light blue jeans and white runners.
Detectives also previously released images of three male good Samaritans that assisted the victim at the time of the incident, with one of those men later contacting police.
One man subsequently contacted police, however two other men still remain outstanding. These men are not believed to have been involved in the sexual assault in any way.
Officer in charge of the Sexual Crimes Squad, Detective Inspector Steve Wilson, said he was hopefully that today's announcement would lead to someone coming forward with key information.
"This is a horrendous crime that occurred at what is probably the busiest intersection in Melbourne," he said.
"We know that there were plenty of people around at that time so I'd urge anyone who remembers seeing anything on that night to come forward.
"It really doesn't matter how small or insignificant you think that detail might be, it could be just what police need to progress this investigation.
"There is absolutely no doubt that this assault has had an enormous and detrimental impact on this victim's life.
"She was only an 18-year-old teenager at the time and this attack had significant negative effect on her university studies and day-to-day life.
"To have something like this happen to one of the most vulnerable members of our community is just devastating, and we are doing absolutely everything we can to find who is responsible and bring them to justice."
A reward of up to $500,000 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 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
