Details revealed after man charged over alleged sex attack on female jogger

Shocking details of an alleged sexual attack near Merri Creek have been revealed, with police saying a female jogger’s attacker tried to choke and drown her. And the man accused of these horrific acts refused to front court today.

25-year-old Joel Russo, who has been accused of raping a young female.

A man charged over a horrific suburban rape allegedly tried to drown and strangle his victim while subjecting her to a humiliating sexual assault.

Court documents released on Thursday revealed for the first time the extent of the horror allegations against Joel Russo, 25.

Sources allege that after repeatedly raping the woman as she jogged along the popular Merri Creek trail on Tuesday night, Mr Russo made the woman hold hands with him while they walked to a fast food restaurant.

25-year-old Joel Russo.

Russo is accused of raping a young female.

Police say the Coburg man tried to drown and strangle his victim, before trying to assault her with a stick, then subjecting her to further sexual attacks.

Mr Russo is accused of carrying out the sex attack on a woman in her 20s along the running trail in Coburg some time after 6.30pm on Tuesday.

It’s alleged the victim was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted, before she ran for help.

After the incident, police believe Mr Russo and his alleged victim made their way to McDonald’s in Brunswick East, where she raised the alarm about 11pm.

Police believe a number of people were inside the premises at the time and also rendered assistance to the victim.

The Merri Creek trail is popular with joggers. Picture: File image

It is understood a man was captured interacting with the victim on CCTV cameras outside McDonald’s following the attack.

A woman allegedly came to her aid, dragging her to safety inside the store as the man left on foot.

The fast food outlet is almost 2km from where the alleged attack took place.

Mr Russo was arrested by police in Carlton about 1.30am on Wednesday and charged with rape and attempted armed robbery.

The attempted armed robbery charge relates to an alleged incident at a service station in Lygon Street, Carlton about 1am on Wednesday.

The alleged attack is believed to have happened in Merri Creek bike track near Harding St in Coburg. Picture: Sarah Matray

In total he is facing 10 charges of rape, one attempted rape and three sexual assaults.

There are a further three charges for robbery, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

Mr Russo refused to appear in court on Thursday, telling his lawyer to proceed in his absence.

The court heard Mr Russo had an acquired brain injury, was bipolar and had schizophrenia.

MORE NEWS

VICTORIAN’S FACING ‘REAL RISK’ TO POWER SUPPLY

NEW SCAMS CATCHING OUT INNOCENT AUSTRALIANS

PUSHBACK ON NEW DOB-IN-A-PRACTITIONER LAWS

He also suffered from depression and chronic back pain.

Mr Russo did not apply for bail, and was remanded to reappear at court on March 12.

Anyone who witnessed the man, saw the victim with the man, or has any dashcam footage that might show either of them, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log on to crimestoppersvic.com.au