A man has been arrested in Queensland on behalf of Lake Macquarie detectives over historic alleged sexual assault and serious assault offences, uncovered as part of their investigation into suspicious disappearances from the area.
In April 2019, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
As a result of extensive inquiries through this investigation, strike force detectives began to investigate reports of alleged historic sexual assault offences against three other women dating back to the early 1980s.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives applied for an arrest warrant and travelled to Queensland.
About 1.20pm today (Wednesday 8 January 2020), a 58-year-old man was arrested by the Queensland Police Service in the presence of Strike Force Arapaima investigators at an apartment complex on Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
He was taken to the Southport Watchhouse, where he was remanded in custody.
Strike force detectives will apply for the man’s extradition to NSW when he appears at Southport Magistrates Court later tomorrow (Thursday 9 January 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Arapaima are ongoing.
Anyone with information which may assist strike force detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.
