Police have charged a 50-year-old man for allegedly drugging, raping and sexually assaulting women on the Gold Coast over four months, while claiming to be a spiritual healer.
Around 10pm on Friday January 6, a 21-year-old and 23-year-old woman partook in what was purported to be a spiritual healing ceremony at the man's Southport apartment.
It will be alleged that a 50-year-old man administered the women with stupefying and hallucinogenic substances causing them to lose consciousness.
It will further be alleged that the man then raped and assaulted the 23-year-old, resulting in neck and facial injuries.
The 21-year-old notified police and the man was arrested at the scene around 3.30am on January 7, 2023.
Subsequent investigations led police to also charge the man in relation to dealings with two other women last year.
It will be alleged that on September 19, a 21-year-old woman agreed to partake in a spiritual healing ceremony at a Broadbeach unit where she was stupefied and raped.
It is further alleged that on October 15, a 22-year-old woman agreed to partake in a ceremony at a Broadbeach unit where she was stupefied and sexually assaulted.
A 50-year-old Southport man has now been charged with four counts of stupefying in order to commit indictable offence, two counts each of rape, sexual assault and supplying dangerous drugs and one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm and contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically.
He appeared at the Southport Magistrates Court today (Tuesday January 10) where he was refused bail and remanded in custody until March 14, 2023.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information about these offences, relating to the man or alleged practices, that may assist with investigations to come forward.
If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
