10 September 2024, 5:55pm
Media Release
Appeal for public assistance after alleged Melbourne Airport assaults
Editor’s note: Audio grabs from Detective Acting Superintendent Emily Nicholson are available on Hightail
The AFP has charged a Melbourne man, 42, with sexual assault following an alleged incident at Melbourne Airport on the weekend.
Airport staff notified AFP officers that a woman had allegedly been touched inappropriately by a man unknown to her on Sunday (8 September, 2024).
While searching for the man, police were made aware of four similar alleged assaults.
The man was quickly located and charged with sexual assault, contrary to section 40(1) of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). The maximum penalty for the offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
The man is scheduled to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on 5 December, 2024.
A review of CCTV footage showed another three women may have also been assaulted by the man.
The AFP is urging any other victims who may have been touched inappropriately to come forward.
The man is described as being of Asian appearance, 170cm tall with a slightly grey ‘goatee beard’. He was wearing a green beanie, a black hooded jumper and carried a large black bag over his shoulder.
Investigations are ongoing.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Emily Nicholson said the AFP took a zero tolerance approach to anti-social and illegal behaviour at our airports.
“It is quite troubling that these alleged sexual assaults took place in a public place in full view of a number of witnesses,” A/Supt Nicholson said.
“We believe there may be other potential victims who subsequently boarded flights that we are yet to get in contact with.
“If you have any information, please call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Airport Watch on 131 237. All information received will be treated confidentially.”
