Man charged with grabbing a woman’s breast in a mosh pit

THREE cases of sexual assault have now been reported from Marion Bay’s Falls Festival — as police charge a 32-year-old man for allegedly grabbing a woman’s breast in a mosh pit.

POLICE have arrested and charged a 32-year-old man for grabbing a woman’s breast in a mosh pit at the Falls Festival in Tasmania.

The attack on Sunday night was the third sexual assault reported to police at the Marion Bay music festival.

Previously, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted on Friday night during the Jungle Giants performance, and a sexual assault in the camping area was reported on Saturday night.

Police say the latest incident happened in the mosh pit of the festival’s Valley stage when Fleet Foxes were due to play. The 32-year-old from Carlton has been charged with assault with indecent intent after he allegedly grabbed a woman on the breast. The incident is not linked to two previous sexual assaults.

“The incident occurred in the mosh pit of the main stage at around 9.30pm and was witnessed by several persons who aided the victim,” a Tasmania Police spokeswoman said.

“The perpetrator was identified by the victim and detained by security staff and taken into custody by police shortly thereafter.

Police were pleased with the majority of the festival-goers’ behaviour. Picture: Mathew Farrell/ News Corp Australia

“Police were disappointed by the reported incidents of inappropriate behaviour, however patrons were generally well behaved and in good spirits.”

The man has since been bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Falls Festival co-producer Paul Piticco released a statement, welcoming the arrest.

“These incidences have been happening at mass gatherings for years and we are encouraged by the fact that this unacceptable behaviour is being identified and people are coming forward,” he said.

“It takes a lot of courage and we are happy to be seeing a cultural change where victims feel comfortable to report.

“As a society we need to continue to educate people about consent to eradicate this dreadful behaviour and provide victims with a safe space.”

Anyone with information about a sexual assault or other related behaviour should contact investigators at Bellerive CIB on [phone] or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.

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