Victorian man charged with 36 offences including rape, abduction and stalking from 20 years ago
A 71-year-old man has been charged with 36 offences including rape, abduction and stalking for his alleged involvement in two Dandenong Ranges sexual assaults in 1998.
Police & Courts
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A Victorian man who allegedly abducted and raped two female hitchhikers in the
Dandenong Ranges more than 20 years ago has fronted court to face historic sex offences.
Garry Cook, 71, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with 36 offences including rape, abduction and stalking for his alleged involvement in two sexual assaults in 1998.
Mr Cook, who was arrested without incident in Abbotsford on Wednesday morning, was silent during the brief administrative hearing other than to confirm he had seen a custody nurse for his flu symptoms.
The Drouin man did not apply for bail and will return to court on November 17.
Police allege on September 24, 1998 Mr Cook offered a lift to a young female who was hitchhiking in Belgrave.
He allegedly drove her to a remote area, threatened her with a gun and sexually assaulted her before she was dropped off in Emerald.
On December 1 that same year, a female was hitchhiking in Clematis when she was allegedly picked up by Mr Cook who threatened her with a firearm and drove her to a remote area.
He is accused of sexually assaulting her before driving her to Belgrave train station.
Detective Inspector Juliann Goldrick from the sexual crimes squad, said Wednesday’s arrest was pleasing.
“Today’s arrest highlights our commitment to the sexual safety of the community and
to holding those responsible for this type of alleged offending to account,” he said.
“These incidents have been subjected to lengthy investigations over the past 25
years and today’s result is testament to the persistence and dedication of Sexual Crime Squad detectives, both past and present.
“No matter the length of time, we will continue to investigate these alleged significant offences and try to find answers for victims of sexual assault.”
Detectives are looking at any links between these matters and a number of similar alleged
offences which took place Dandenong Ranges area between 1996 and 2000.
“The incidents involve a male in a vehicle approaching a female in an isolated area
with limited public transport, offering to drive them, and once they are in the vehicle
physically threatening them with a weapon before sexually assaulting them,” a police spokeswoman said.
“All victims were females aged between 15 and 22 years of age.”
These incidents occurred in and around the Belgrave train station, Wellington
Road in Clematis, Belgrave-Gembrook Road in Belgrave, Selby and Menzies Creek.
Investigators believe a number of different vehicles were used by the male in the
incidents, including a maroon Toyota 4Runner 4WD.
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who hitchhiked in the Dandenong Ranges
between 1996 and 2000, including those who did so without incident, as they still
may have valuable information to provide to police.
Investigators also acknowledge that it is possible there are people who were
assaulted in similar circumstances and have not yet reported it to police.
The investigation into these matters remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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