A Grafton man has been arrested following sexual assault and abduction claims in Byron

A crime committed more than 20 years ago in Byron Bay may be brought to justice after a Grafton man was charged. See how the matter is being dealt with.

Justice may be served after more than 20 years – after a man was charged at Grafton court following an investigation into a sexual assault incident of a Byron woman in 1998.

The man allegedly confronted the woman inside her home in Byron Bay before assaulting, threatening and sexually assaulting her.

He also allegedly detained the woman for a period of time.

The incident occured on the night of October 23, 1998 and the alleged victim was aged 23 at the time.

She did not know the man.

No arrests were made at the time - despite an investigation conducted by officers attached to Tweed/Byron Local Area Command.

Grafton Police station, where the man was refused bail to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, May 23.

The case was reopened last year following a cold case review - with evidence and exhibits re-examined.

A cold case review typically occurs when new information or evidence emerges from new witness testimonies, re-examined archives, material evidence, or fresh activities of a suspect.

After extensive inquiries, detectives attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District arrested a 49 year old man in his South Grafton home at roughly 9.45am on the morning of Wednesday, May 18.

The man was taken to Grafton Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter and commit felony – use violence, aggravated sex assault – inflict actual bodily harm on victim, and forcible abduction of woman with intent to carnally know.

He was refused bail to appear at Grafton Local Court on Thursday, May 19, where he was formally bail refused to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on Monday, May 23.