Port Douglas man charged with rape after Cairns hotel tryst
A Port Douglas man who police allege lured a 13-year-old girl to a Cairns hotel before plying her with drugs and raping her has been charged. Watch the video of his arrest.
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A Port Douglas man who police allege lured a teen girl to a seedy Cairns hotel before plying her with drugs and raping her has been charged.
The 25-year-old man was charged on Friday by the Cairns Child Protection Investigation Unit with multiple offences following the alleged incident at the Acacia Court Hotel on the Cairns Esplanade.
The family of the alleged victim made a report to police after becoming aware of a secret meeting of the 13-year-old and the Port Douglas man which had been arranged through an undisclosed social media app.
Later on Friday evening the pair were found by officers from the Far North District Tactical Crime Squad after an extensive investigation.
While at the hotel police allege the man supplied the girl with cannabis before sexually assaulting her.
The matter is being handled under the auspices of Operation Uniform Kalahari which was set up in 2022 to investigate the alleged grooming and exploitation of vulnerable young people in the Cairns area, although it’s understood police will allege this case deviates from usual kind of offences investigated by the Kalahari operation.
The man was charged with three counts each of rape and supply dangerous drugs, and one count each of using the internet to procure a child under 16, possess dangerous drugs, possess utensils and breach of bail.
The man was arrested on the Cairns Esplanade on Friday evening after allegedly trying to dispose of a mobile phone.
Officer in charge of the Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Gooiker described the alleged offending as “abhorrent”.
He said the alleged offender was known to police and the pair had met before the alleged rape on Friday.
“He was arrested and we located some devices and other things nearby,” he said.
“The family members had some concerns and made some inquiries and raised it with the police and with any of these types of matters … the exploitation of children is a high priority for the Queensland Police, and we will always take action to the best of our ability.”
Police opposed bail during a brief hearing in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Saturday March 22, when the 25-year-old man was remanded in custody until June 10.
Senior Sergeant Gooiker said the alleged victim has shown immense bravery in coming forward and speaking to police in relation to this matter.
“We can (now) take action against the people that are exploiting these kids,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Gooiker said.
“The fact that this man was quickly located and arrested by police demonstrates the dedication of police in responding to child harm in the community.
“We will continue to investigate all reports of offences against children and bring alleged offenders before the court.”
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
Originally published as Port Douglas man charged with rape after Cairns hotel tryst
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