Townsville: Alleged violent rapist who assaulted family makes bail bid

A man charged over a horrific alleged violent rape had previously sexually assaulted a child, and beat a defenceless grandfather. Now, he wants to ‘re-engage’ with his church. WARNING: GRAPHIC.

Generic photo, Townsville Court House. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A man charged over an alleged ‘violent’ rape while on parole has a criminal history which includes sexually assaulting a child and beating his defenceless grandfather, a court has heard.

The man — who cannot be named for legal reasons — appeared via video link in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday, charged with one court of rape.

Tendered to court were photographs of the alleged victim, showing injuries from the alleged rape, including a severe black eye, along with damage to her cornea.

Prosecutor Eireann Philipson told the court the man was alleged to have committed the “extremely violent” rape while on parole for domestic violence and assault offences.

Ms Philipson said photographs demonstrated the alleged victim had ‘significant pressure’ applied to her throat during the alleged offence, and the defendant’s fingerprints were located at the scene of the alleged crime.

The prosecutor told the court the alleged rapist selected vulnerable victims in the past.

She said the accused’s history included licking his friends’ child’s vagina during a visit, as his friend was busy on the phone.

“More recently, he repeatedly assaulted his 71-year-old grandfather, by repeatedly punching and kicking him, even once he laid helpless on the ground” Ms Philipson said.

“His offending shows a propensity towards sexual and extremely violent offences, and it appears he selected persons who are most vulnerable as victims.”

The accused’s lawyer, Leaha Hallam, told the court her client was prepared to catch a bus to Mackay if bail was granted, to be far from the alleged victim, with which he had a ‘brief’ friendship.

“He’s cited to me a desire to get back into the community and get things back on track in terms of his life, re-engage with his church and get into paid employment,” Ms Hallam said.

Ms Hallam told the court her client has been undertaking courses while in custody, which would be continued on his release.

The presiding magistrate denied bail to the man, noting his record of noncompliance with court orders.

“He has an extensive history with offences of violence against various members of the community,” the magistrate said.

Originally published as Townsville: Alleged violent rapist who assaulted family makes bail bid