By Luke Voogt
A man accused of raping a 90-year-old woman at a St Albans Park aged-care centre on Sunday has appeared in court.
Shane Huici, 23, of St Albans Park, appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday night charged with rape, aggravated burglary, recklessly causing serious injury, common law assault and theft.
Police allege the elderly woman woke to find Huici sexually assaulting her in her home at Tannoch Brae Aged Care on Aldershot Road about 4.45am.
Detective Acting Inspector Mark Burnett said the woman activated a distress alarm, which alerted staff.
A staff member confronted Huici, who fled the scene, Detective Inspector Burnett alleged.
The woman was taken to hospital after suffering injuries in the incident. Police searched the area but were initially unable to find the alleged offender.
Sexual Crimes Squad detectives arrested Huici about 9am on Monday following a public appeal for information on the incident.
They took him to Victoria Police Centre in Melbourne.
“I understand how much concern an incident like this causes in the community, so being able to make an arrest in just over 24 hours is reassuring,” Detective Inspector Burnett said.
“Locating the person responsible has been a significant priority for Sexual Crime Squad investigators ever since the matter was reported to police.
“Our thoughts are with the victim and her family at this time and they will be offered a range of support services.
“I’d also like to thank the community and the media for all their support in sharing the information we released yesterday.”
Huici made no application for bail and was remanded in custody for a committal mention hearing on November 5.
In a statement on Sunday Tannoch Brae Aged Care said management and staff were assisting police investigating how the “security breach” occurred at the facility.
