British National arrested for Jindabyne sexual assault, investigation continues

Detectives in the Snowy Mountains have arrested a 28-year-old man outside a home unit in Jindabyne following last week’s violent sexual assault.

About 1.30am last Thursday (July 5), officers from Monaro Police District responded to a 22-year-old woman and 25-year-old man who had been assaulted on Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne.

Police were told the pair was walking along the footpath after leaving a nearby licensed premises when the man was punched in the head, rendering him unconscious, before the woman was physically and sexually assaulted.

After the man regained consciousness, he attempted to help his friend but was again assaulted.

A short time later, the man flagged down a passing vehicle at which time the alleged attacker fled the scene.

NSW Ambulance paramedics moved in to treat the couple at the scene for serious facial injuries before taking them to hospital for further treatment.

Detective Acting Superintendent, Tom Barnes says the woman and man are recovering as well as can be expected from their physical injuries, but, “Will have a long way to go in terms of the psychological impact.”

They have both been released from hospital.

Detectives from State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Monaro Police District established Strike Force Buckeridge to investigate the incident, their work resulting in the arrest of the 28-year-old British National this morning just after 9.

Shortly after, a search warrant was executed at the unit, where police seized items relevant to the investigation.

The man was taken to Jindabyne Police Station.

Police held a media briefing in Sydney this afternoon, skip through to 2:10…

Police made two appeals to the public for information and dash-cam footage, which appears to have been helpful.

Earlier this week, Monaro Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Sandra Green, said while the local community welcomes visitors throughout the snow season, they will not tolerate acts of violence or anyone causing harm to locals or tourists.

“The Snowies is a popular destination at this time of year, and we have an increased police presence to ensure everyone who visits can enjoy our ski fields and surrounds safely and without fear of violent or anti-social behaviour,” Acting Supt Green said.

“We have a close-knit community, who have already provided investigators with significant assistance in the investigation.”

Comments on social media and local radio have suggested the town needs better lighting and security and more street presence from police.

Gina Woodward writes, “Yes more presence [and] give them more staffing. And we need more street lights too. Always been so dark.”

Alison Oakley writes, “It would be good to see more police in the area of the town at night during the winter season, not just on the roads.”

Late in the day, police charged the 28-year-old snow resort worker with aggravated sex assault – inflict actual bodily harm, cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possess prohibited drug.

He was refused bail to appear at Queanbeyan Local Court tomorrow (July 11).