Bendigo sex attacker goes free

By Clare Quirk
Updated November 7 2012 - 4:34am, first published March 11 2011 - 11:24am
Bendigo sex attacker goes free
Bendigo sex attacker goes free

A Bendigo chef who was coming off an alcohol and drug binge when he indecently assaulted two women has been told his actions will stay with the victims for their entire lives.Bradley Dean, 25, was sentenced to four months’ jail to be served as an intensive corrections order and three months’ jail wholly suspended for two years after he attacked a 15-year-old girl and a 20-year-old woman at bus shelters in Kennington.Dean, of Long Gully, pleaded guilty in Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday to an indecent act with a child under 16 and one indecent assault.Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Dave Somerton told the court that both assaults took place on August 24 in St Aidans Road.He said that at 8.20am the 15-year-old female victim was in her school dress waiting at a bus shelter near her home.“Dean has approached the victim and stood in front of her. He rubbed the outside of her school dress against her vagina.‘‘Dean has then ran across St Aidans Road.”The court heard the second attack was at 9.40am at a bus shelter about 150 metres from the first.The 20-year-old TAFE student noticed Dean pacing back and forth a number of times. He then grabbed the woman’s breasts.“The woman has screamed and the offender ran off,” Leading Senior Constable Somerton said.‘‘The woman ran home traumatised and told her parents.”When Dean was interviewed by police, he initially gave strong denials and a detailed alibi.Leading Senior Constable Somerton said Dean agreed to be in an identification parade and a positive identification was made.“The police interview resumed and the accused admitted he was involved and responsible.”He said Dean had consumed beer, marijuana and amphetamines throughout the night prior to the assaults.Defence lawyer Russell Kelly said Dean had been on a 10-hour binge with work colleagues at a Collins Court house.Mr Kelly said the offences were completely out of character for his client, who had no prior convictions.Magistrate Ian Watkins said the former Golden Square Hotel chef’s behaviour had caused significant fear in his victims, resulting in them feeling unsafe and being unable to travel on public transport alone.“It goes to the very heart of women in Bendigo moving around freely and safely,” he said.“These victims will remember your conduct for their entire life. “It will stay with them.”

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