Penshurst historic sex assault: Volkswagen ‘Kombi’ van image released by St George PAC detectives

Almost 40 years ago, an unknown man forced a 19-year-old woman from a phone booth into a van where he sexually assaulted her. Now, detectives are hopeful a new picture will crack open the cold case.

The search for the culprit of a shocking sex assault of a 19-year-old woman in Sydney’s south almost four decades ago has been given new energy, with NSW Police releasing an image of a Volkswagen “Kombi” van as part of a new public appeal for information.

The teenager was inside a phone booth on Ocean St, Penshurst, near the intersection of Forest Rd, about 9pm on Thursday March 17 1983 when she was forced into a van by an unknown male, before being driven away and sexually assaulted.

She was later released onto Roberts Ave in Mortdale, only a few blocks away.

NSW Police have released images of a light blue Volkswagen Kombi van believed to be of interest in a historic sexual assault case from Penshurst. Picture: NSW Police

A 19-year-old woman was at a phone booth in Penshurst in the area pictured in 1983 when she was allegedly forced into a van and sexually assaulted. Picture: NSW Police

Detectives attached to the St George Police Area Command have released an image of a light blue Volkswagen ‘Kombi’ panel van with no rear seats they claim is a vehicle of interest in the case.

Officers are also appealing for a man described as being caucasian, with an average build, fair complexion, and brown or auburn wavy hair to come forward to assist in their inquires. He is believed to have been in his 20s or 30s at the time of the incident.

While the frightening incident was reported to police at the time, no charges were laid.

Decades later, St George Police detectives recommenced their investigation in November 2020.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.