Detectives from Sexual Crimes Squad are hoping new information will lead to a breakthrough in the investigation into a sexual assault in Morwell almost 40 years ago.
On 5 November, 1983 a girl, then aged in her late teens, had been out with friends at the Astrodome licensed venue in Traralgon.
She caught a taxi back to Morwell with two friends and was the last one dropped off at her home address about 1am on 6 November.
The woman ran inside to get money for the driver, returned to pay him, then went inside and went to bed.
She was woken up some time around 5-6am to a man’s hand across her mouth.
It appears the man had removed a flyscreen from the woman’s bedroom window and climbed into her room.
The man told the woman “don’t make a noise or I’ll hurt you” and then climbed onto the woman and sexually assaulted her.
The man then jumped head-first out the window, smashing the window with his foot on the way.
The matter was reported to police at the time however despite a significant investigation over many years, no one has ever been arrested in relation to the incident.
Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad’s cold case team are today appealing for information in relation to the incident.
They are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about the incident and who may have been responsible.
The man involved is described as being tall with a stocky build, short ginger hair and moustache, and perceived to be of Caucasian appearance with a fair complexion.
At the time he was wearing a stocking over his head and possibly a flannelette shirt.
Victoria Police is committed to investigating matters of sexual assault and bringing those responsible to justice, no matter how much time has passed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Tracy Johnston, Sexual Crimes Squad:
“Any sexual assault is incredibly traumatic for the victim, but it is particularly distressing to have the feeling of safety and security in your own home compromised.
“Our victim has lived with the physical and emotional impacts of this assault for almost 40 years and investigators are determined to pursue every avenue of inquiry so we can provide her with the closure she deserves.
“We’ve previously spoken to the people our victim was out with on the night, and it doesn’t appear anything untoward was noticed while they were out at the Astrodome.
“While a significant period of time has passed, we are hopeful that there is still someone out there who can help us provide answers in relation to this case.
“Historical sexual offending matters are incredibly complex, but we know people’s circumstances can change over time, and this appeal might be the prompt needed to help close a terrible chapter in someone’s life.
“We’re keen to speak with anyone who might have information about this incident and no piece of information is ever too small.”
