ACT man to stand trial for sexual assault in Westfield

A man will appear in ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday after a woman reported sexual assault to police.

Police say a 28-year-old Phillip man who was an employee at a Westfield retail store had non-consensual sexual intercourse with a woman.

Around 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, a man closed the store’s security shutters and allegedly began taking pictures of a woman in the store when she was not in public view.

He then allegedly coaxed the woman into a small office at the back of the store where non-consensual sexual intercourse allegedly took place.

After the incident, the woman went to the hospital for a forensic examination before turning the case over to the police.

On November 25, 2022, the police raided the store where the alleged attack took place and arrested the man.

He was later charged with one count of having sexual intercourse without consent.

The ACT encourages all victims of sexual assault to report criminal offenses.

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault can report it to the police by visiting a police station or by calling 131 444.

ACT victims can contact the Canberra Rape Crisis Center on 02 6287 3618.

Individuals can also submit an online report of historical sexual assault incidents that occurred more than six months ago.

Originally published as ACT man to stand trial for sexual assault in Westfield