Age of offenders is abhorrent: Boy, 10, charged with sexual assault of Cairns tourist
A 10-year-old boy has been accused of sexually assaulting an Italian tourist in far north Queensland.
Police said the 24-year-old woman was walking past the boy in the Cairns CBD on Wednesday morning when he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
She called for police assistance before being set upon by a number of juveniles, sustaining minor bruising and scratches to her head and face.
“No doubt a traumatic experience for the young lady,” Detective Inspector Kevin Goan told reporters on Thursday.
“The young age of the offenders is abhorrent. People are entitled to go about their business in our community.”
Police responded to a report of an assault on the corner of Lake and Shields Street in Cairns’ city centre after 10am, Det Insp Goan said.
The boy was arrested along with three other youths “within minutes”, with all four known to police.
The 10-year-old was charged with sexual assault, common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm whilst in company.
“No one else has been charged at this stage,” a police statement said.
Police said no one else had been charged at this stage but they would like to speak to other juveniles who are known to the child protection investigation unit.
