‘I went into flight mode’: Police hunt accused predator over a series of disgusting attacks on women as they rode packed Melbourne trams
- The man rubbed his erect penis on three different women on trams
- At least two victims have spoken out about the assault to help find the offender
- Officers released images of the man who they believe could assist with inquiries
A manhunt is underway for a predator who sexually assaulted several women travelling on trams.
The man rubbed his erect penis on three women on separate occasions on Melbourne trams between February and August.
At least two victims, Sophie *, 46, and Mary*, 31, have spoken out about the moment they were attacked by the man in the hopes he will be found.
Sophie was the first victim who was assaulted while travelling on the route 19A tram in Parkville just after 7pm on February 28.
The Brunswick woman said she ‘went into flight mode’ after the predator acted inappropriately towards her.
‘He just moved in [behind me] and I felt this weird tapping and it was just like, that’s actually not happening,’ she said.
‘In my mind I was thinking what am I going to say and he looked back at me quite cocky actually.
Sophie*, 46, she ‘went into flight mode’ when she was assaulted by a man on a tram
‘I just stood there completely shaking in shock. I felt quite shameful and vulnerable. I felt really angry and then the days following I was a total mess.’
Sophie said she has since spent more time walking and has become ‘completely untrustful’ on trams and crowded spaces.
In a second incident, a 22-year-old woman was travelling on a packed 96 tram along Bourke Street towards Southern Cross Station just after 3.30pm on June 6.
The offender also moved to the back of the woman where he rubbed his penis against her.
Mary was also assaulted by the man on the 96 tram at about 5.30pm on August 18.
Mary*, 31, had just finished work and was on the way to see her partner and kids when she was sexually assaulted
She had just finished work and was on the way to see her partner and children when she was attacked.
‘He kept repeating the motion against my bottom over and over and I sort of froze up,’ she said.
‘Once I realised what was happening I said quite loudly :”Can you stop f**king doing that f**king hell” and tried to make it obvious that there was an issue.
‘My kids are asking why I’m upset and why I’m with police. Shouldn’t have to explain that sort of stuff.
Mary was unable to look at the man because the tram was so full.
Detectives have released images of a man (pictured) who they think could assist with inquiries after women were sexually assaulted on trams in Melbourne
Police have released images of a man who they believe can assist with their inquiries.
The man police are searching for is described to have a southern European appearance, medium build and receding dark hair.
He looks to be around the age of 40, may have a tattoo on his left wrist and has been seen wearing a fluro orange shirt usually worn by tradesman.
Senior Constable Hannah Smith from Victoria Police described the behaviour was ‘unacceptable’.
‘It’s very brazen to be continually committing offences. It feels like he’s quite arrogant about his offending,’ she said.
Mary and another victim, 22, were both assaulted on a 96 tram on two separate occasions
Officers believe there may be other victims out there who are yet to come forward.
Anyone with information about the man is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
*The real names of the victims have been changed to protect their identity.