Bay Run indecent assaults: ‘Balaclava, muzzle’ at accused’s home, court hears
THE man accused of indecently assaulting women on the Bay Run quit his job delivering bread because of “personal reasons” as his partner struggles to believe police have “got the right guy”.
NSW
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A BAG containing a rope and balaclava was discovered when police searched the home of a man accused of indecently assaulting women along a popular inner west running track, a court has heard.
A Sydney court heard police were forced to move early and arrest Andrew James Grant, 28, before they could gather more evidence because they feared his alleged attacks on women along the Iron Cove Bay Run would become more violent.
The alarming new details emerged as Grant made a bail application in Central Local Court today following his arrest at his Freshwater home earlier that week.
Police prosecutor Benjamin Delaroche told the court detectives were concerned by the degree of planning involved in the alleged assaults and their fears were confirmed when the discovered a bag containing a rope, balaclava, gloves and a muzzle during their search of the alleged offender’s home on Tuesday.
“He has indicated to detectives, that he has a compulsion that he tries to control but he cannot,” Mr Delaroche said.
“Such items being in his possession and prepared together in such manner are a concern.
“His alleged actions represent persistent criminal behaviour over numerous weeks. They are insidious in the fear and disruption that they cause to the community.
“These matters have been brought before the courts to protect the public. There was a degree of planning by the defendant who was waiting in concealed positions.”
Grant appeared in court via video looking tired, unshaven and wearing a black T-shirt as his partner, who is five months pregnant with the couple’s first child, watched on with two other women from the public gallery.
She covered her head with a large orange scarf as she left court and refused to talk to the media.
According to court documents, the alleged offences against six women took place between January 30 and February 17 in the vicinity of Glover Street Sports Ground, Lilyfield and King Georges Park near Victoria Road, Rozelle.
The court also heard Grant pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2013 on four separate accounts of an indecent act in a public place in Perth, WA.
Magistrate Les Mabbutt refused Grant bail despite the offer of strict conditions, including virtual house arrest, and said concerns raised by police could not be ameliorated.
“The accused has approached various young women in public areas and made certain comments that I won’t repeat,” Magistrate Mabbutt told the court.
“The allegations involve six different women all confronted by the accused in public areas.
“Given the nature and number of women involved and repetition of offences I cannot come to the view that bail conditions would protect the community.”
Originally from Perth, Grant moved to Sydney more than two-and-half years ago, with the couple only recently moving into a one-bed ground floor apartment in Freshwater.
Neighbours described Grant was a “nervous type” who didn’t say hello to them in the hallway.
“His girlfriend is inconsolable, she doesn’t want to believe they’ve got the right guy, she’s pregnant and worried about what’s going to happen to her and their baby.” one neighbour said.
“He was very quiet, he never said hello or looked you in the eye.”
Just last weekend Grant quit his job as a driver delivering bread to bakeries and cafes for The Bread And Butter Project with a spokesman confirming he had resigned for “personal reasons”.
“Andrew Grant was a casual employee undertaking delivery duties until he resigned over the weekend citing personal reasons,” the spokesman said.
“Bread and Butter Project conducts standard reference checks as part of its pre-employment processes.
“We have had no contact with police about this matter.”
NSW Police Detective Inspector Ned Gligorevic said police were concerned there may be other victims, and urged anyone with information about the case to come forward.
Grant will appear before Central Local Court on March 23.
If you believe you have been a victim of an assault you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.