Search underway after criminal’s horrifying assault of grandmum

In a deeply unsettling incident that has rocked the community of a major urban centre, a grandmother was subjected to a harrowing experience that prompted a city-wide alert and a fervent manhunt.

The incident occurred in broad daylight, a stark reminder that danger can strike at the most unexpected times.



The grandmum, aged 66, was enjoying a seemingly peaceful playtime with her young grandson on a nature strip at the intersection of Alfrieda St and Craigielea Ave in St Albans, northwest Melbourne, last December.

'The male asked the woman for cigarettes and she replied multiple times that she did not have any,’ Victoria Police said in a statement released Wednesday, April 17.

‘The woman walked away with her grandson, then the male approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her whilst making crude comments.’


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Victoria Police released a facial composite image of the alleged offender. Image Credit: Victoria Police


The woman shouted at the male before he walked off on Craiglea Avenue, then up Collins Street, before doubling back down Collins Street and walking back down Craigielea Avenue towards View Street.

Victoria Police have released a description of the suspect in hopes that public vigilance will aid in his capture.

‘The offender is perceived to be of African appearance, approximately 175cm tall with a slim build, a mark on the left side of his cheek and protruding teeth,’ they said.

‘He was wearing a black and white varsity jacket, a brown cap, black shirt, and dark-coloured skinny jeans.’


Anyone with information regarding this incident is highly encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or to submit a confidential report here.

According to the National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety last 2022, a quarter of Australian women aged between 68 and 73 have reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives. They also found that younger women are more likely to report incidents of sexual assault.

Data released the same year by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in The Survey of Older People revealed that the most common form of sexual abuse of community-dwelling people aged 65 and above is unwanted conversations of a sexual nature at 77 per cent.

Thirty-two per cent of respondents who experienced sexual assault in the year prior to the poll also said they were sexually touched against their will.


This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of community awareness and personal safety. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, especially when it concerns protecting the more vulnerable members of our society, such as seniors and children.

We urge you to discuss safety plans with your family members.

It's essential to have a strategy to avoid potentially dangerous situations and know how to react if confronted with one. Consider carrying a personal alarm, keeping a mobile phone handy, and always being aware of your surroundings.
Key Takeaways
  • A manhunt is underway for a suspect who sexually assaulted a 66-year-old grandmother in front of her grandson in St Albans, Melbourne.
  • The assault occurred when the woman was approached by the man asking for cigarettes and subsequently denied having any.
  • After she attempted to walk away, the man grabbed her and assaulted her, making crude comments even as she shouted at him.
  • The suspect is described as being of African appearance, around 175cm tall, with a slim build, a mark on his cheek and protruding teeth, last seen wearing a varsity jacket and brown cap.
Our thoughts are with the grandmum and her family at this trying time. May justice be served.
 
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It is getting worse & will increase if the Government does not do something about the crimes happening all over Australia. These people have left their country to have a better life here, but are turning Australia into the country they left. Send them beck to where they came from if they commit crimes here. If they have become citizens, revoke the citizenship if they or members of their family commit crimes here. Riots should not be allowed. If you want to riot for your country, go back & riot there not in the streets here.
 
I agree that governments need to make legislative change that will result in real consequences for criminal acts.

Unfortunately the violence we are reading about and seeing in media reports shows that perpetrators are from all walks including Australian born children and teenagers.

ADULT CRIME SHOULD GUARANTEE ADULT TIME.
 
If they have come from overseas and they commit a crime send them back regardless of becoming a citizen or not. To me, it appears to be young African people who are leading the crime wave in some areas however, Australian young people are also doing the wrong thing. It's about time the government did something to stop this crime wave because it appears to be getting worse every day. Lock them up not a slap on the wrist.
 
And so say all of us! Unfortunately not being heard by the government = WAKE UP ALBO!!!
 

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