A man has been charged after an alleged “brutal” sexual assault at a park in Perth just before Christmas.
Police said a woman, aged in her 20s, was walking through Charles Treasure Park in Cannington about 11.30pm on December 23 when she was allegedly approached by a 20-year-old man.
“It will be further alleged the man punched the victim several times in the face before strangling and sexually assaulting her,” police said in a statement on Wednesday.
“He stole her handbag and mobile phone before fleeing.”
The woman was treated in hospital for her injuries.
The accused man, who is in custody, was charged this week with two counts each of aggravated sexual penetration without consent and indecent assault.
He has also been charged with one count each of impeding another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the neck, assault occasioning bodily harm and aggravated robbery.
Acting Police Commissioner Col Blanch said officers had done a “mountain of work” to make the arrest.
“It was a brutal sexual assault,” he told 6PR radio on Wednesday.
“These are the ones that really impact on our community.
“I’m pleased for the victim that we’ve got some resolution at this point.
“The man is still to go before a court, but this was a horrific offence and something that I certainly don’t tolerate.”
The charged man is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on April 20.
