A COMMITTAL hearing has been set down in September for a man accused of dragging a woman from Russell Street and subjecting to her a violent sexual assault.
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One hour has been set aside on September 27 for the hearing involving Alan Simmons, 19, before magistrate Michael Allen, in the Bathurst Local Court.
Written submissions are to be served by 4pm on September 21.
The matters were last before the court on July 25 when Simmons did not apply for bail which was formally refused by Mr Allen.
Simmons appeared in custody via video.
Simmons is facing 14 charges relating to the alleged sexual assault of a woman in August 2015, where police allege the victim was subject to a 90-minute attack, with Simmons allegedly taunting her during the assault saying to her: “I’m raping you because you like it.”
Police allege Simmons set upon the victim from behind, dragging her into a vacant paddock before punching her in the face a number of times and repeatedly sexually assaulting her for up to one-and-a half-hours.
The woman had been walking home from work along Russell Street on her own at around 5.50pm on a Saturday when she was allegedly set upon.
It is alleged when Simmons left the scene, the woman ran to a nearby house where police and ambulance paramedics were called.
She was taken to Bathurst Base Hospital where she was treated for multiple internal injuries as well as facial cuts, bruising and swelling.
Following the alleged attack a strike force made up of detectives from Chifley Local Area Command and the State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad was launched.
Simmons was arrested just days after the alleged assault, and subsequently charged with 14 offences.
Charges laid against him include take and or detain person with intent to obtain advantage, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, eight counts of aggravated sexual assault- inflict actual bodily harm on victim and two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
In his initial appearance before the court back in August 2015, Simmons’ solicitor, Jack Hibbard from Aboriginal Legal Aid applied for a non-publication order on the case.
Mr Allen considered arguments from both Mr Hibbard and the police prosecutor, declining the application and saying it was paramount the case was seen as open and transparent.
