Teenager ‘unknown’ to alleged city rapist

Kim Waters
A MAN charged with raping a teenager in central Geelong on the weekend will remain free on bail for more than three months.
Police allege the man, 46, attacked the girl in Malop Street at 4.30am Saturday.
The 18-year-old victim was unknown to the man, police said.
Geelong Magistrates Courts’ on-line listing of cases named the Geelong West man as Asad Ali.
Police charged him with rape and indecent assault on Tuesday.
Mr Ali appeared on Wednesday in Geelong Magistrates Court where his case was adjourned until May 18.
Mr Ali sat calmly in court, wearing a shirt and jeans.
He left with his lawyer after the magistrate announced the adjournment.
Victoria Police spokesperson Kelly Cromb urged any witnesses to come forward.
“In Malop Street at that time on a Saturday morning there might have been a few people around,” Ms Cromb said.
“There may be someone out there who could assist us, so we’d encourage them to call myself or Crime Stoppers on 5225 3206 or 1800 333 000.”
The alleged Malop Street assault was one of two cases involving sex attack charges in Geelong Magistrates Court this week.
The court also heard that police had charged 29-year-old Stephen van Beveren over an alleged indecent assault at Newcomb.
Police alleged Mr van Beveren assaulted a 21-year-old woman on Tuesday.
Police said officers arrested Mr van Beveren after they responded to a call for help at a house in Boundary Road about 8.30am.
A magistrate remanded Mr van Beveren in custody.
He will reappear in Geelong Magistrates Court next week.