Man arrested over ‘disturbing’ alleged attack on 63yo woman on Gold Coast tram
A man has faced court after he allegedly punched and stomped on a 63-year-old woman while attempting to steal her bag on a Gold Coast tram. Find out what happened
Police & Courts
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A man has been refused bail after he allegedly punched and stomped on a 63-year-old woman while attempting to steal her handbag on a Gold Coast tram.
Gold Coast police Superintendent Rhys Wildman described the alleged attack as “extremely disturbing and also upsetting”.
Police allege about 6am Saturday, East Brisbane man Cayden Jay Mollone, 20, approached a 63-year-old woman on a tram near the Griffith University station and tried to steal her handbag.
They allege Mollone then pushed the woman to the ground, punched her in the face and stomped on her head.
Supt Wildman said a good Samaritan on the tram began yelling at Mollone, then chased him off the tram to a nearby bus stop.
Police allege the 20-year-old then got on a bus bound for Harbour Town Shopping Centre in Biggera Waters.
This information was reported to police, who arrested Mollone as he got off the bus at Harbour Town.
“This particular alleged incident is extremely disturbing and also upsetting,” Supt Wildman said to the media on Monday.
“It’s extremely difficult to see a 63-year-old woman undergo an alleged assault of this manner.”
Mollone was charged with serious assault and attempted robbery.
He was refused bail in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.
The matter was adjourned to November 17.
Supt Wildman described the alleged attack as an “isolated incident” and praised the actions of the good Samaritan.
“It’s great to see members of the public stepping in at critical times,” he said.
“We do encourage where possible for members of the public to step in, but do it safely.
“By that I mean, it’s just as simple as yelling out – you don’t have to physically intervene.”
Anyone who witnesses an emergency is urged to call triple zero.
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