A man charged with raping a woman in Bendigo in the early hours of New Year's Day has now been linked to the crime through DNA evidence, police allege.
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Damian Toull, of Strathdale, appeared in Bendigo Magistrates' Court via video link on Wednesday.
He is charged with rape, assault with intent to commit a sexual offence and three counts of sexual assault in relation to an attack on a woman in Mundy Street on January 1 this year.
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Constable Jacinta Morrissey said a piece of the victim's clothing was forensically analysed and DNA found on it matched that of Mr Toull.
Mr Toull is alleged to have followed the woman as she walked home from the CBD and along Mundy Street.
He allegedly approached the woman before raping and sexually assaulting her.
Constable Morrissey said Mr Toull was captured on CCTV footage from that night.
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In an interview with police in January, Mr Toull said he was not the person in the security footage.
At Wednesday's committal mention, defence lawyer Kate Youngson requested an adjournment to allow for more time for discussions with Mr Toull and to go through the brief of evidence.
Mr Toull remains in custody and will appear in Bendigo Magistrates' Court on May 1.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
