A 74-year-old man from Kimberley has been remanded in custody following allegations of indecent assault at a popular tourist spot in Western Australia’s north. The incident occurred at Town Beach Reserve in Broome, a bustling location visited by locals and visitors alike.
Police reports indicate that the assault happened around 2:40 pm on Wednesday when the woman, aged 23, was sunbathing and was approached by a man she did not know. The man allegedly indecently assaulted her before she managed to escape and seek help from a nearby group of people, who promptly contacted authorities.
Broome detectives took swift action, arresting Manuel Bower, a resident of Fitzroy Crossing, at 6 pm the same day. He has since been charged with one count of unlawful and indecent assault. During a court appearance on Thursday, Mr. Bower acknowledged he understood the charges against him.
His legal representative, Rachel Rima, characterized the allegations as “very serious” but noted her client’s criminal record has gaps, and he lives with a disability. She also requested protective bail conditions, including a ban on alcohol consumption, citing allegations that Mr. Bower was intoxicated on the day of the incident.
However, police prosecutor Mícheál Gregg opposed bail, citing concerns over public safety. The case continues as authorities investigate further and the community grapples with the unsettling nature of the allegations.
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