Police have charged a man over a spate over terrifying sex attacks in Kalgoorlie in the early hours of Monday morning.
In the space of two-and-a-half hours, between 1am and 3.30am, the man allegedly forced entry into three homes and at each property sexually or indecently assaulted an adult female. Police say he also unsuccessfully tried to gain entry to a fourth home.
All incidents were in the south Kalgoorlie-Boulder area. None of the homes or victims are linked.
On Monday, Superintendent Steve Thompson said as a result of police inquiries they arrested a man shortly before 7am.
“Our thoughts are with the victims of these incidents, which would have been a significant and traumatic event, and they’ve been provided with a medical and support that is appropriate,” Supt Thompson said.
Supt Thompson said the victims were aged between 30 and 70, with two of the women the only occupants of the houses at the time of the attacks but there was another occupant present during the incident in the third home.
He said entry was forced to the homes.
“It wasn’t a matter of an open door, there was force used,” he alleged.
Supt Thompson said police had responded quickly when the alarm was raised.
“We all come together, when it’s significant crimes such as this, we throw all available resources and we use all our capabilities. And, it’s very pleasing for me that within a matter of hours we were able to make an arrest,” he said.
“We’re fortunate to live in this State that incidents such as this . . . are very rare. And when they do occur, they are our highest priority and we throw all our resources at the investigation.”
A 30-year-old man from the Warburton community has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual penetration without consent in the course of a home burglary, one count of indecent assault and three counts of home burglary.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
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