Australia: Man, now 69, arrested over alleged sexually assaulting 82-yr-old woman 44 years ago

Melbourne: Police have made a breakthrough in an alleged historic rape case against an elderly woman 44 years ago arresting a man who allegedly broke into her home and assaulted her, media reports said.

The alleged attacks on 82-year-old Jessie Grace Lauder took place at her home in suburban Melbourne in 1981 and 1983, the News.com.au reported.

Victoria Police allege the first assault happened about 10pm on September 22, 1981, when an intruder, wearing a beanie and items over his face to conceal his identity, broke into Lauder’s Newport address when she was in bed.

According to reports, the man entered the bedroom armed with a knife and confronted her, the police claim, and she was then taken to another room in the house and sexually assaulted.

It is alleged another attack occurred at 9pm on July 6, 1983.

“The man allegedly forced Jessie into the kitchen – police believe this was to ensure there was no-one else in the house – before taking her back to the lounge room where she was sexually assaulted again,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“During the second incident the man made reference to the earlier offence and warned Jessie not to call police.”

Lauder has since passed and she did not receive justice for the heinous alleged assaults.

Following a renewed public appeal for information on January 14, led by her grandson Malcolm Lauder, a search warrant was issued for a residential address at Hoppers Crossing on Friday morning and the police took a 69-year-old man into custody for questioning.

Sexual Crime Squad detective inspector Mark Burnett said it was a “momentous day” for Lauder’s family.

“Though Jessie is sadly no longer with us, this is a momentous day for her family, and in particular, her grandson, Malcolm, who have fought incredibly long and hard for justice for almost 44 years for their beloved Jessie,” he said on Friday.

“By all accounts she was a wonderful and exceptionally stoic woman and I truly hope today’s arrest brings Jessie’s family a sense of relief and some form of closure at last. Our thoughts are with them today.”

“This has been a complex, protracted and at times, difficult, investigation by members of the Sexual Crime Squad – many of whom have moved to different units over the years – and their determination and perseverance is to be commended.

''We have also been supported by many other units within Victoria Police and I would like to thank each and every single member for their assistance.'' It might have been almost 44 years, but Victoria Police does not give up on the hope of securing justice for victims, the report said.

“We will do everything within our power to ensure offenders are held accountable for their actions and face the full force of the law, irrespective of how much time has passed. “I am extremely proud of our members today.”