Two boys released without charge after alleged Casuarina indecent assaults

Two boys who allegedly indecently assaulted two women in Casuarina on Tuesday have been released without charge.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Grieve said the boys approached the women from behind and touched them inappropriately.

• ‘This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and women should feel safe as they come and go from their homes’

TWO boys who allegedly indecently assaulted two women in Casuarina on Tuesday have been released without charge.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Grieve said the boys approached the women from behind and touched them inappropriately within six minutes of each other.

Sr Sgt Grieve said in the first incident, a 22-year-old woman reported that as she was entering a residential complex, she was approached from behind by a male youth who allegedly assaulted her before running off.

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In the second incident, he said a 20-year-old woman was in the carpark of the same residential complex when she and a friend were followed to the entrance of the building by a group of three youths, one of whom assaulted her as his friends stood by.

All three then left the area.

“The first youth, aged 14, was arrested for aggravated assault and released into the custody of his parents without charge,” Sr Sgt Grieve said.

“He will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.”

Sr Sgt Grieve said the second boy was nine years old and could not be charged due to being under the age of criminal responsibility.

He was also released into the care of his responsible adults with appropriate referrals for ongoing support.

“We commend the women for reporting these incidents,” he said.

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“Thanks to the reports, we were able to identify the alleged offenders and early action and intervention is being taken to address their behaviour.”

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