AN Albury man who allegedly forced a towel smelling of chemical into a woman’s face before sexually assaulting her has been identified through DNA evidence, a court heard yesterday.
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Peter James Myers impersonated a police officer before forcing his way into a central Albury unit in the early hours of January 7.
The DNA sample linked to Myers was taken from inside the woman’s underwear.
Police are waiting on the fast-tracking of DNA from another similar case they are investigating which could lead to further charges against Myers.
Tendered documents revealed police believed Myers showed tendency for sexual crimes that alarmed them.
The circumstances of the woman’s attack were outlined in Albury Local Court yesterday when he applied for bail after being arrested on Wednesday evening.
Myers, 24, of Thurgoona Street, has been charged with two counts of aggravated breaking and entering committing a serious indictable offence, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and impersonating a police officer.
Police prosecutor Sgt Tanya Eade-Smith opposed bail, saying there was a strong case against Myers.
“I have serious concerns for victim protection. Victim protection is obviously paramount,” she said.
Solicitor James Sloan said Myers denied any involvement in the serious charges.
He was refused bail and remanded to reappear in court on Monday.
The victim was at home in her unit about 12.40am on January 7 when disturbed by knocks at her front door.
She investigated by looking through lounge room windows, the knocking continued and she rang 000.
A short time later there was another knock, she asked who it was from inside a locked door and a voice responded: “It’s the police.”
She opened the door and was pushed inside with a chemical-smelling towel put onto her face.
Myers allegedly pushed the woman to the floor and was on top of her.
The towel was pressed onto her face with one hand and the other hand was around her neck.
There was a demand for money, but the woman said she had no cash and offered cigarettes and her bank card.
Myers allegedly put his hand inside her dressing gown and into her underpants.
He allegedly rubbed her vagina area for about five seconds and then ran from the unit.
Clothing worn by the woman was later forensically examined and a DNA sample obtained.
