A man acquitted of the Russell Street bombing has refused to appear in court over allegations he raped a woman on the night before the infamous 1986 attack on police.
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The alleged victim was inside the Russell Street police complex when a bomb concealed in a Holden Commodore parked outside the building exploded around lunchtime on March 27, 1986. Constable Angela Taylor, 21, was killed and 22 others were injured.
Police allege Peter Komiazyk and Craig Minogue, who both stood trial over the bombing, raped a 19-year-old woman in Nunawading the night before the bombing.
The following day, the teenager was inside the police complex giving a statement when the bomb exploded, Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard.
Komiazyk, who used to go by the name Peter Reed, appeared before court on Thursday night, when he was refused bail. He was due to return on Friday, but his lawyer told the court he had asked to remain in his cell.
The 61-year-old was acquitted over the bombing but jailed for 13 years for attempted murder, for shooting at police in raids connected to the bombing.
Minogue, 56, is serving a life jail term after he was found guilty of the bombing. He is due to appear before court on June 14.
Police allege both men raped the 19-year-old woman, and also raped another woman, who was forced into a car on Chapel Street, South Yarra on November 22, 1985.
Both men face 38 charges including abduction by force and aggravated rape.
More to come
- SMH/The Age
