Richmond, Supreme Court detainee arrest: Political bombshell as asylum seeker, 43, accused of sexually assaulting one woman and allegedly stalking another
A detainee who was among 149 people released following a controversial Supreme Court ruling has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Victoria Police confirmed Thursday morning that a 43-year-old recently released inmate was arrested on February 28 in connection with two separate incidents.
According to police, one woman was assaulted and another woman was stalked by the man.
“The 43-year-old Richmond man was interviewed by detectives from the Melbourne Sexual Offenses and Child Abuse Investigation Team and subsequently charged with sexual assault, stalking and unlawful assault (x2).”
He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where no bail application was made. He is due to appear again next month.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured with fiancée Jodie Haydon) last week criticized a political ad about the Supreme Court releases
“Victoria Police can confirm the man is among several prisoners recently released following a Supreme Court ruling,” the statement said.
It comes at an inopportune time for Labor – just days away from the inevitable Dunkley by-election, triggered by the tragic death of Labor MP Peta Murphy late last year.
Last week the Prime Minister blasted Voice No campaign group Advance for an advert asking about the whereabouts of “rapists, pedophiles and murderers” released following the High Court ruling.
The full-page advert in the Herald Sun read: ‘Albo, you have unlocked the doors of immigration detention and unleashed 149 criminals.
“Tell us, Prime Minister, how many are in Dunkley? We demand that you tell us before March 2.”
March 2 is the date of the Dunkley by-election.
The full-page newspaper ad removed by right-wing advocacy group Advance to influence voters in the Dunkley by-election
Mr Albanese later appeared on Melbourne radio station 3AW and accused Advance Australia of fear-mongering and spreading misinformation.
“I think people will look at that advert, which is designed to scare people, and see it for what it is,” Mr Albanese told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
“Our top priority is the safety of Australians. Australians know that this was a decision of the High Court of Australia and that governments must obey the law.”
The alleged incident did not take place in Dunkley, but in nearby Richmond, at the seat of Greens leader Adam Bandt.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles announced on Question Time on Thursday that he had been informed of the arrest on Wednesday evening.
The government late last year touted its ability to re-detain migrants at risk of defensiveness. Liberal Zoe McKenzie asked why this had not been used in this case.
“All of our law enforcement agencies are doing an extraordinary job,” Giles said.