A sexual attack at Wangetti Beach over the weekend just a “couple hundred metres” from where Toyah Cordingley was murdered almost two years ago, has sent a chill through the community, however, police say the attacks were not linked.

At about 9:00am on Saturday 4 July at Wangetti Beach, police alleged that a 20-year-old Kowanyama man who cannot be named for legal reasons, sexually assaulted a 26-year-old woman, attempting to rape her before she managed to flee from the beach.

Detective Inspector, Jason Smith, said the man allegedly approached the woman who had recently moved to the Cairns area, engaging her in conversation.

“They went for a walk along the beach where upon his intent turned quite savagely and he has (allegedly) assaulted her with intent to rape,” he said.

Police conducted an investigation and apprehended the man in Mossman a few hours later. 

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He was charged and appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court earlier today where he was given strict bail conditions. The case was adjourned until next month.

Inspector Smith said the man had a “motor vehicle malfunction” which led him to be in the Wangetti area at the same time as the women.

“His intent can only be obtained from what we can prove so far, it appears to be somewhat random. He has taken advantage of the situation that was presented to him.”

Inspector Smith said the woman was left shocked.

“This is a perfectly normal time to be on the beach at Wangetti. It is 9:00 am in the morning and there is the expectation of safety and unfortunately this random offender has also been at the beach.

“This was a distressing thing to have happen. It wasn’t what she expected.

“She is not from the Cairns area and she struck up what she thought was a friendly conversation but unfortunately this person had other ideas,” he said.

Inspector Smith said the proximity of this attack to the site of Toyah Cordingley’s unsolved murder is coincidental and there is no link.

“In the context of the Cordingley matter, to have this occur is very concerning but I stress they are not related.

“The offender is alleged to have been returning to the Mossman area and where upon his motor vehicle has broken down and that is why he was there.

“This was random and seemingly a spur of the movement thing.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Policelink.