More than 15 years on from a string of sexual assaults across the inner west and inner Sydney, there's been a breakthrough in the high-profile "inner west rapist" case.
A 51-year-old man was arrested at about 6am this morning in Panania in Sydney's south west after DNA testing linked him to the investigation into a series of separate sexual offences against women between 2003 and 2004.
"Importantly, this arrest sends a strong warning to would-be criminals that you never know when police may catch up with you," said Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott.
"If you want to wreak havoc in our state and make people lock their doors and windows in fear of being raped, detectives won't forget about you until you are in jail."
The man was taken to Bankstown Police Station where he was charged with multiple offences including five counts of sexual intercourse without consent, two counts of aggravated enter dwelling with intent, and two councils of assault with act of indecency.
What has resulted is the arrest of a person who we allege committed some of the worst sexual violence offences that Sydney has seen
- Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty, said today's arrest was the result of advancements in genetic testing technology.
"Since 2020, detectives have painstakingly recanvassed more than 17 years' worth of intelligence and forensic evidence, which subsequently provided the breakthrough we needed to further those inquiries," she said.
"Investigators utilised technological advancements in familial DNA not dissimilar to those which enabled the FBI to apprehend the so-called 'Golden State Killer' in the United States last year.
"What has resulted is the arrest of a person who we allege committed some of the worst sexual violence offences that Sydney has seen and created fear across the city."
Police allege the man was responsible for four "serious" aggravated break and enters and sexual assaults in 2003 and 2004 in Croydon, Bondi, Bexley and Marrickville.
In March 2004, the NSW Police Force established Strike Force McCoy to investigate 13 sexual assaults which occurred across the Sydney Metropolitan area including in Marrickville, Erskineville, Croydon, Newtown and Glebe.
The incidents were linked at the time by location and modus operandi, with four linked by a common DNA profile located at the crime scenes. Despite an investigation carried out with assistance from the FBI and more than 3000 persons of interest being looked into, no one was charged.
The case was reopened last year with detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commencing a comprehensive investigative and forensic review. In February 2020, experts from NSW Health Pathology's Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS) advised they had established a familial DNA link in the case.
Further inquiry, conducted with assistance from the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command's DNA Management Unit, identified a DNA match.
"We have some of the world's best investigators in this state and the NSW Government is committed to continuing to provide them with the technology and resources they need to serve justice," said Mr Elliot.
Strike Force McCoy detectives investigated the match further, and today the Panania man was arrested.
"I sincerely hope the arrest of this person provides some relief for his alleged victims, and signals to others that police will never stop in their pursuit for justice for victims of sexual abuse," Ms Doherty said.
Investigations under Strike Force McCoy are continuing.
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