North Melbourne man charged with sexual assault of girl

A 31-year-old man has been charged following an alleged sexual assault of a child in North Melbourne on July 21.

Police and paramedics were called to Boundary Rd near Racecourse Rd just before 2pm where an 11-year-old child was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Detectives from the Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team have since charged the aaccused, a North Melbourne man, with one count of rape.

He was remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 22 where he did not apply for bail.

The court heard the man, who allegedly attacked the 11-year-old girl at random, was a refugee who had a history of suicidal thoughts and substance abuse.

He will appear at the next hearing on October 20 for a committal mention. •