14/01/2008

Rape Accused Bailed On Aussie Ulster Teen Attack

A 26-year-old man – who comes from India – has been in court accused of raping a Northern Ireland teenager in Australia.

He is also accused of indecent assault and appeared at Brisbane Magistrates' Court where he was released on bail, to reappear in court in February.

The accused has been forced to surrender his passport and has been banned from backpacker accommodation.

The 19-year-old was allegedly attacked at a hostel in Brisbane on Saturday.

The teenager had been on a backpacking holiday and is believed to have been staying in the area for the last week.

She was sharing a room at the Brisbane Backpackers Hostel with around 10 other people when she was sexually assaulted early yesterday.

It's understood the girl had gone to sleep and woke to find a man assaulting her.

A Brisbane police spokesman said: "The man was arrested shortly after our investigation was initiated and he will be appearing in court.

"It appears the young girl from Northern Ireland woke up to find a man attacking her and police were immediately called.

"Our investigation into this matter is continuing. There were 10 other people in the room and this girl will get all the support she needs out here. "

It's believed the young woman's family are expected to travel to the country this week.

The Australian Irish Support Group has also offered to assist the teenager and her family after she is released from hospital.

North Down UUP MP Lady Sylvia Hermon urged young women travelling to the region to remain vigilant.

Said Lady Sylvia: "The terrible ordeal suffered by this young girl highlights the real dangers facing young people travelling abroad and in unfamiliar surroundings."

(BMcC)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 January 2024
DUP Calls For Action On Car Insurance Price Increases
The DUP has called on the UK government to investigate car insurance price increases, especially for young drivers, in Northern Ireland.
22 December 2023
Over 60 NI Businesses Support New Young People Initiative
More than 60 businesses from across Northern Ireland have announced their joint support for enterprise education charity, Young Enterprise (YE), which aims to support the next generation of Northern Irish entrepreneurs. With the support of the business community, YE has announced the launch of their new Business Backers campaign.
14 October 2022
Report Highlights Young People's Experiences Of Violence
91% of young males and 96% of young females have experienced one or more violent acts or behaviours at some point in their lifetime, according to a new report on the experiences and attitudes of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland.
07 September 2022
Lord Mayor Announces 2023 One Young World Summit
More than 2,000 young people from over 190 countries across the world are expected to visit Belfast in October 2023 for the One Young World Summit, Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black has announced. A delegation from Belfast will attend a special handover ceremony from current host city Manchester this week.
17 July 2002
Hanna praises role of New Deal in securing jobs
A report on the New Deal for 18-24 year olds has revealed that the scheme has made unemployed people aged 18-24 more likely to find a job or secure a place in education and training.