Woman suffers broken ribs and liver injury after alleged Peregian Beach attack

Police have charged a man after a woman suffered serious internal injuries following an alleged rugby-style tackle on a beach after she called out a man for having his dog off-leash.

A man has been charged nearly three months after a woman in her 60s was allegedly tackled while walking along Peregian Beach.

The alleged assault occurred about 9.15am on Tuesday, April 8, near Beach Access 53.
Police will allege the woman approached a man walking a dog and informed him the area was a dog-free beach.
She reportedly threw a stick toward the dog before the man allegedly tackled her in what police described as a “rugby-style” tackle.

The man then fled the scene.

The woman was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries at the time, but it is now understood she sustained broken ribs, a lacerated liver, injuries to her feet and neck.

The alleged offender was initially described as caucasian, of solid build, average height, and in his early 20s.
He was said to be wearing a light-coloured shirt and dark shorts, and accompanied by a grey and black dog of solid build.

CCTV footage from a nearby property captured a man police at the time police wanted to speak with.

A woman was attacked at Peregian Beach in April. Picture: Contributed

Following ongoing investigations, police on June 27 charged a 28-year-old Peregian Beach man with one count of grievous bodily harm. He is expected to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on August 21.

Police have not released the man’s identity.

Anyone with further information or relevant CCTV is encouraged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.