A man has been charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy north-west of Perth more than 30 years after the alleged attack.
The boy was riding his bike through the Carine Open Space on his way to meet a friend after school on October 25, 1991, when he was approached by a stranger, according to police.
The stranger – a man – then allegedly restrained the boy and sexually assaulted him.
Detective senior constable Chloe White said genetic genealogy and historical forensic evidence were used to compile a family tree of almost 3500 people, which was narrowed down to one man.
A 54-year-old man from Kingsley has now been arrested and charged with deprivation of liberty and two counts of aggravated sexual assault.
“Without the courageous action of the victim coming forward we wouldn’t be where we are today,” White said at a press conference today.
White said the victim was “elated” to learn charges had been laid after what she labelled was both a “horrific” and “random” attack.
“After speaking with him, I can’t imagine what he’s gone through over the last 33 years,” she said.
“It’s unimaginable for any child, let alone a 13-year-old boy, to have had these (alleged) crimes committed against him.”
Detective Superintendent Rohan Ingles sent a simple message to offenders on behalf of police: “We don’t give up.”
“Solving cases like this is incredibly rewarding but most importantly it’s about the victim and providing them with some level of comfort that they are not forgotten and that we are looking into these offences constantly,” he said at the press conference.
The 54-year-old accused man is set to face Perth Magistrates Court today.
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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