DNA has provided police with the clue they needed to charge a man over the kidnapping and sexual assault of a young woman in Sydney's southwest more than 26 years ago.
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An injured 22-year-old woman reported to Bankstown police on June 20, 1995 that she had been detained and sexually assaulted by a man.
The woman was taken to hospital for treatment and underwent Sexual Assault Investigation Kit forensic and toxicology tests.
Despite exhaustive inquiries and examinations at the time, no charges were laid.
In March detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad established Strike Force Tarana to reinvestigate the incident, after a DNA link was identified by NSW Health Pathology's Forensic and Analytical Science Service.
Strike force detectives arrested a 48-year-old man at Lalor Park on Tuesday.
He was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with kidnapping, sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated sexual assault, and inflicting actual bodily harm.
The Villawood man has been refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday.
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Adam Powderly said the arrest was the result of tenacious investigative work.
"Victims of sexual assault should know that from the moment they make a report, police will pursue every lead - no matter how long it takes," he said.
"It also highlights the importance of reporting to police regardless of whether a crime will be pursued at court - if there's forensic evidence available, it can be followed up at any time."
Australian Associated Press
