Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad are determined to provide closure for a Victorian woman, who was just 17-years-old when she was abducted and sexually assaulted almost 40 years ago in Melbourne.
Investigators have re-opened the cold case investigation into the horrific 1982 incident and, wish to speak with a young couple who helped the victim to safety after she was blindfolded, gagged and sexually assaulted.
Prior to the incident, it is understood the 17-year-old girl was with a group of friends near Flinders Street Railway Station in the Melbourne CBD on the morning of Wednesday March 24, 1982.
The group of teenagers were approached by a male who spoke with one of the young girls, before the group told him to leave them alone.
The man remained nearby but did not approach them again.
The victim then left intending to catch a train home to her Nunawading address, when the man approached her and agreed to drive her home.
The pair drove for approximately one hour, before the man stopped briefly for petrol and continued driving for a further 20 minutes.
He then suddenly stopped the car on an unknown dirt road and before blindfolding and gagging the victim.
She was then driven to an unknown location where she was sexually assaulted whilst still blindfolded.
The offender threatened to kill her before leaving her on the ground, getting back into the car and fleeing.
The victim was able to make her way to a nearby road before a car stopped to assist.
The victim was driven back into the CBD where she received medical assistance and the incident was reported.
The case was investigated by police at the time, however no one was arrested or charged in relation to it.
Following a review in late 2019 by Sexual Crimes Squad detectives and an examination of forensic evidence using new technology, the case was re-opened.
Officer in charge of the Sexual Crimes Squad, Detective Inspector Juliann Goldrick, said that she believes new information from the public could prove crucial in solving this investigation.
"There is no doubt a brutal and opportunistic attack such as this has enduring effects on a victim, let alone a terrified 17-year-old girl," she said.
"While the incident may have happened almost 40 years ago, it is as important as ever that the person responsible is brought to justice.
"Cold cases like these are incredibly complex, however when new information comes to hand it can often be the final missing piece of the puzzle.
"Police are looking to speak with a man and woman who gave the victim a lift back to the Melbourne CBD following the attack.
"From what we've been able to find, they have never spoken to police however we believe they could have information that is crucial to this investigation."
"We're hopeful that this is the kind of this the pair would remember - maybe it's stuck in their mind for years and they've wondered what happened to the girl."
"We'd also like to speak to anyone out there who has any other information about the incident."
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.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
