51-year-old Bundaberg man charged with rape of tourist in 2007

Detectives have charged a Bundaberg man with the rape of a female tourist on the Cairns Esplanade in 2007.

It will be alleged the then 35-year-old man approached a 19-year-old tourist before assaulting her when she fell to the ground. Picture: Generic

Detectives have charged a Bundaberg man with the rape of a female tourist on the Cairns Esplanade in 2007.

It will be alleged the then 35-year-old man approached the 19-year-old tourist about 3.20am on the Esplanade on March 17, 2007.

Police say a struggle followed after he tried to grab the woman by the wrist. The victim fled and the man continued to chase her.

He allegedly sexually assaulted the woman after she fell.

The woman was treated at hospital for shock and an injury to her jaw.

Despite extensive investigations, detectives were unable to find the perpetrator.

The case was reopened this year after forensic evidence taken at the time of the incident, was allegedly matched to a current DNA sample.

Cairns detectives took the man into custody at a property west of Bundaberg on Friday, November 17.

The 51-year-old was charged with rape.

He is scheduled to appear in the Biloela Magistrates Court on January 10.

Originally published as 51-year-old Bundaberg man charged with rape of tourist in 2007