Lake Jindabyne. Photo: Tourism Snowy Mountains.
Police have established a special strike-force in response to a violent assault in the Snowy Mountains last week and renewed their appeal for information from the public.
As previously reported, at about 1.30am on Thursday (July 5), officers from Monaro Police District responded to reports a 22-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man had been assaulted on Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne.
Police were told the pair was walking along the footpath after leaving a nearby licensed premises when they were approached by unknown men opposite Foreshore Park.
New detail has been released highlighting the violence and distress of the event.
The man was punched in the head, rendering him unconscious, before the woman was physically and sexually assaulted by one of the men.
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 and the unknown men fled the scene.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the pair at the scene for serious facial injuries before the woman was taken to Canberra Hospital for treatment and examination, while the man was taken to Cooma Hospital for treatment.
A crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic officers.
Detectives from State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Monaro Police District have established Strike Force Buckeridge to investigate the incident.
Strike-force detectives are hoping the community might be able to help them identify a man they believe may be able to assist with the investigation.
He is described as being about 180cm tall and of solid build. At the time, he was wearing a light-coloured, baggy, hooded jumper.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Tom Barnes, is also appealing for anyone who was driving in the area early on Thursday morning to check their dash-cam.
“Investigators are seeking dash-cam vision from anyone driving in the vicinity of Kosciuszko Road, and Kalkite and Clyde Streets, between 1 am and 2 am on Thursday,” Det A/Supt Barnes said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have been out earlier on Wednesday evening and noticed something suspicious – or someone acting suspiciously.”
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,” A/Supt Green said.
“We have a close-knit community, who have already provided investigators with significant assistance in the investigation, and we expect anyone who has any information relevant to this incident to come forward.
“Any information you may have can be provided to local police or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
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