Five years ago, on 30th June 2013, a young mother was brutally attacked, beaten up and sexually assaulted by an unknown man in North Melbourne, while she was walking home after enjoying a girl’s night out in the city.
Chloe* was just 22 years old at the time of the attack and was walking down King Street at around 3 am when she was approached by a man dressed in dark clothing.
The attacker tried to strike up a conversation, but when Chloe resented, he grabbed her, dragging her into a laneway where he unleashed a “heinous” attack.
She was then repeatedly punched, kicked and later sexually assaulted.
“It would give me justice but it would help make me feel relieved that this person can’t do this to anyone else,” said Chloe who has chosen to give up her anonymity and speak about the attack to aid the investigation.
No one so far has come forward to provide information on the offender who was last seen running down Chetwynd Street on the night of the attack.
Now, upping the ante, Victoria Police have offered a huge reward of $500,000 in a bid to find the offender who continues to walk free.
Sexual Crime Squad Detective Inspector Steve Wilson claimed there are people in the community who know the offender.
Shocking image of the victim from the night of the attack Source: Victoria Police
“We have a victim who was brutally assaulted, both sexually and physically, and is probably very lucky to still be here with us today,” he said.
“I’d ask people to look at the photos we’re releasing, listen to what she is saying about the impact it’s had on her – then ask themselves if they’re comfortable living with the information they might have about who is responsible for this crime.”
The police have also released CCTV footage and a rare re-enactment video of the night of the attack to jog the memory of potential witnesses.
Victoria Police say it's the first time in more than a decade that a video of the re-enactment of the attack is being released by Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV).
The attacker is believed to be a man in his late 20s of either Asian or Indian appearance, of medium build, short cropped hair and unshaven stubble. He was wearing a black top, blue jeans and an open leather jacket on the night of the attack.
“The victim should have been free to go about her evening without harm or fear of harm, yet through no fault of her own she was subject to the most heinous attack and has been suffering both the physical and emotional consequences of that attack ever since,” said Erika Owens, the Chief Executive Officer, Crime Stoppers Victoria.
The suspect is believed to be of Asian or Indian subcontinent appearance Source: Victoria Police
“There is no piece of information too big or too small and anything you tell us will be passed to police in the strictest confidence if you wish.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
