Sexual assault by 14-year-old on woman, 26, caught on CCTV

The alleged sexual assault of a young woman by a 14-year-old youth in Cairns, Queensland has been caught on CCTV.

Police are examining vision from a CCTV camera in Cairns which recorded the alleged sexual assault of a woman, 26, by a 14-year-old youth.

The European woman, living in Cairns on a work visa, was walking home from a night out when police alleged she was approached by the boy and sexually assaulted behind a business on McLeod St about 1.45am on Saturday.

The Cairns Post reports the entire incident was allegedly captured on a CCTV camera belonging to the business.

Police have alleged the boy ripped the woman’s clothing off and made “very clear” what his intent was before she fought him off.

Distressed and screaming, she fled and passing motorists came to her aid.

Far North police Det Acting Insp Jason Smith described the incident and the age of the boy as “disturbing”.

He said the woman had been living and working in Cairns for about two years.

Detective Acting Inspector Jason Smith leading the investigation into the alleged attack. Picture: Stewart McLean

“Understandably she was very upset and distressed by this. This was a violent attack,” Det Acting Insp Smith said.

“She was able to retaliate and use force against this (alleged) offender and actually strike him back and prevent his attack on her.”

The woman suffered minor physical injuries to her arms and legs.

Det Acting Insp Smith said it was believed at this stage to have been a random, opportunistic attack with no suggestion the boy had been following the woman.

He said investigations were ongoing but it was alleged he somehow lured her to a secluded area behind the business away from the street and assaulted her.

The area in McLeod St, Cairns, where the woman was attack. Picture: Brendan Radke

The boy was taken into custody by detectives conducting patrols of the immediate area on Sunday.

He was charged with assault with intent to rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault and will appear before the Cairns Children’s Court.

Det Acting Insp Smith said the quality CCTV was key to their investigation.