A man will face the courts more than four decades after a beloved grandmother was allegedly attacked and raped in her home.
Police charged a 69-year-old man on Friday afternoon after an emotional plea for information from Jessie Grace Lauder's loved ones about two separate incidents in Melbourne's Newport in the early 1980s.
The Hoppers Crossing Man, who was arrested in Wyndham Vale, will face Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with two counts of attempted aggravated rape, aggravated burglary, aggravated indecent assault, rape, burglary and common assault.
Ms. Lauder, who died in 1993, was reportedly first sexually assaulted on September 22, 1981, when a man armed with a knife confronted the then-82-year-old as she lay in bed.
In July 1983, a man allegedly attacked her again after forcing his way into the house while she was getting ready for bed.
“A person has entered the sanctuary of her own home not once, but twice, where she should be the most protected you should ever feel,” her grandson Malcolm Lauder told reporters on January 14.
Earlier on Friday, sex crime detectives thanked the media and the public for providing vital information leading to the arrest.
“Although Jessie is sadly no longer with us, this is a momentous day for her family and in particular, her grandson, Malcolm, who fought incredibly long and hard for their beloved Jessie for almost 44 years,” Detective Inspector Mark Burnett said .
“This has been a complex, lengthy and at times difficult investigation by members of the Sex Crime Squad – many of whom have moved to different units over the years – and their determination and perseverance must be commended.”
Police charged a 69-year-old man on Friday afternoon after an emotional plea for information by Jessie Grace Lauder's loved ones about two separate incidents in Melbourne's Newport in the early 1980s (the now deceased grandmother is pictured)
Detective Inspector Mark Burnett (pictured) said it was a momentous day for Ms Lauder's family who have campaigned tirelessly for justice since her death
