Man Charged after Decades-Old Investigation Breakthrough
Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad have charged a man overnight.
The charges relate to an alleged abduction and rape in Belgrave Heights in 1985.
Police arrested a 65-year-old man in Bendigo yesterday.
He now faces multiple serious charges linked to the decades-old case.
Charges Span Multiple Serious Offences
Investigators allege the man committed several offences during the 1985 incident.
These include abduction, aggravated rape, and attempted aggravated rape.
Additionally, he faces two counts of aggravated indecent assault.
He has also been charged with common law assault, theft, and theft of a motor vehicle.
He will appear at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court today.
Attack Dates Back More than 40 Years
The incident occurred on Monday, 24 June 1985.
At the time, a woman in her 30s had attended a university lecture.
She stopped at a milk bar on Colby Drive about 7.30pm.
Police allege a man entered her vehicle outside the store.
Subsequently, the offender allegedly sexually assaulted her.
The attack shocked the local community at the time.
Detectives Seek Witnesses from Original Scene
Importantly, investigators believe key witnesses remain unidentified.
These include people inside the milk bar during the incident.
Therefore, detectives have released a historical image of the store.
They hope it prompts witnesses to come forward after many years.
Possible Linked Assault Still Under Investigation
Furthermore, police previously referenced a similar assault nearby.
That incident reportedly occurred in the weeks before the 1985 attack.
However, investigators have never located a matching report.
As a result, they believe other victims may not have come forward.
Detectives urge anyone affected in similar circumstances to speak up.
They emphasise that all information can assist ongoing inquiries.
Call for Information after Major Development
Finally, police continue to seek information from the public.
They stress that even small details may prove crucial.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Alternatively, submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
