Police release new COMFIT image of man wanted after sex assault

Police have digitally aged an identikit drawing of a man wanted for the sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in Sydney bushland more than 40 years ago.

Police have digitally aged an identikit drawing of a man wanted for the sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in Sydney bushland more than 40 years ago.

The girl was playing with friends on a Sunday afternoon in July 1979 when a man approached the group and said he was a council ranger.

He then took the girl away from where they were playing off Randal Crescent and Richard Close in North Rocks where he is alleged to have sexually assaulted her.

“The victim interacted with the police some time ago for something unrelated but mentioned her case,’’ Detective Senior Constable Josh Davies said.

Investigators have released a COMFIT image of a man they would like to speak to after the sexual assault of a young girl more than 42 years ago.

“Even though the offence occurred a long time ago the investigation was reactivated, including new forensic techniques and going back to other witnesses all these years later.”

The alleged victim and her friends were able to give a description of the man they say was aged about 25 to 30-years-old. With other details provided police were able to do an artist’s sketch.

Despite continued efforts at the time and public appeals no one was charged.

It was decided to engage the Facial Recognition Unit to create an image of what they believe the man may look like now.

“At the time it was strongly suspected that the attacker lived locally but obviously he may have moved,’’ Detective Davies said.

“We hope with this new image that it may bring forward someone who knows what happened all those years ago. They may have kept this secret for many years.”

A newspaper clipping from the time of the attack.

The victim is helping police and was pleased to see it being reinvestigated. DNA was taken at the time and while no immediate match has been found new techniques are being used in that area as well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castle Hill police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.