Victim awakes to being sexually assaulted on Four Mile Beach
HORROR ORDEAL
AN Italian backpacker has recounted a horrifying alleged sexual assault while he was sleeping on Four Mile Beach.
The 26-year-old male, who wanted to remain anonymous, says he was sleeping in his van on October 21 along the esplanade in Port Douglas when he awoke to find another man touching his genitals.
Port Douglas Police confirmed the reported incident and said it may be connected to a string of alleged sexual offences and ‘unusual’ behaviour recently in Port Douglas and Mossman.
“I was sleeping with the door open because it was hot,” the man told Newsport.
“When I woke up a man had his hands inside my underwear. Once I realised what was happening I tried to chase after him.
“He was wearing all black or dark clothing, and either a black cap or hood.”
The Italian man had just arrived in Port Douglas after backpacking around Australia for five months. Police have sent his underwear to a forensic laboratory in Brisbane for DNA testing.
The incident occurred between 3am and 4am, the same time as two more alleged offences along Four Mile Beach last month. There have also been confirmed reports of a person loitering near Garrick Street and nearby caravan parks looking in vans and cars with a torch.
“I am telling you because I want to warn people to watch out for this guy,” the victim said.
“I believe this would have happened to other people and he needs to be caught."
A UK tourist and another person also claim they were approached at separate times by a man ‘in a dark rain jacket with a torch’ while walking through a Four Mile Beach access path.
“He said he wanted to fight me as he was masturbating,” the British man said, who also spoke to Newsport on the condition of anonymity.
It follows reports of a man allegedly assaulting people late at night in Mossman. Sergeant Damien Meadows from Port Douglas Police confirmed the alleged offences could be linked.
“It’s concerning, certainly there has been some unusual behaviour reported along Four Mile Beach and Mossman that we’re continuing to investigate,” he said.
“We are well progressed and looking at different avenues relating to these incidents.”
Meadows said the laid back lifestyle of tropical Port Douglas often lulled people into a false sense of security. He urged the community to remain vigilant and report any strange behaviour to Police.
“The reality is we are not immune to this in Port Douglas,” Meadows said.
“In fact, the more blasé and relaxed we are actually makes us a prime target for people with criminal intent.
“Unfortunately rape and sexual assaults have occurred and can happen in this town.
“We need to be mindful of each other and take a great deal of responsibility for our own security.”
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Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
