10yo boy charged over alleged sexual assault of 24yo tourist on Cairns city street

A 10-year-old boy has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 24-year-old traveller at a popular Australian tourism destination.

A 24-year-old Italian tourist has allegedly been attacked by a group of minors on a busy street in Cairns in broad daylight.

A 10-year-old boy has been charged with sexually assaulting her.

Detective Inspector Kevin Goan alleged the woman was “going about her business” in Cairns’ city centre about 10am on Wednesday when she walked past the child and was sexually assaulted.

“The lady has called for police assistance and at that time she was set upon by a number of other juveniles,” he added.

The traveller was left with bruising and scratches to her head and face.

“No doubt a traumatic experience for the young lady and one we certainly hope won’t blemish her experience of touring Far North Queensland,” Det Insp Goan said.

He said, “the young age of the offenders is abhorrent”.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Kevin Goan at the Cairns Police Station. Picture: Brendan Radke

Police took the 10-year-old and three others involved in the alleged assault into custody “within minutes” but there were a couple of other young people they still wanted to speak to.

“Their identities are known to our officers within the Child Protection Investigation Unit and we’ll be catching up with them later today,” Det Insp Goan said on Wednesday.

Queensland Police confirmed on Thursday to news.com.au the 10-year-old boy from Manoora, a suburb of Cairns, had been charged with one count each of sexual assault, common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm while in company.

The alleged assault happened on the corner of Lake Street and Shields Street. Picture: Google Maps

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the alleged attack to contact police or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.

It unfolded on the corner Lake Street and Shields Street in a busy part of Cairns’ city.

There are many popular restaurants, bars, shops and other attractions nearby.

“The concerning part of that is we do have a number of people moving about in that area at that time of day,” Det Insp Goan said, adding that it also enabled officers to take the alleged offenders into custody quickly and ask for witnesses to come forward.