Sex worker allegedly sexually assaulted by masked man in ‘heinous’ attack

A masked man wearing latex gloves has been charged after allegedly choking and sexually assaulting a woman, as well as demanding cash from her while holding a knife to her throat, in a terrifying attack at a brothel in Sydney’s north.

Police will allege that about 10.25pm on Saturday, George Moses Ochieng Raduma, 21, forced his way into the address on Blaxland Road, Ryde.

Raduma is accused of pinning a sex worker against the wall, before dragging her by the hair and holding a knife to her throat while demanding money. He then allegedly struck her head repeatedly before choking and sexually assaulting her.

The victim, who cannot legally be identified, attempted to escape but was allegedly detained by Raduma, who then rummaged through the rest of the premises before fleeing.

The woman contacted police following the alleged 20-minute ordeal, a difficult move for victims in her profession to do, Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said.

“We think about sex workers generally, in different ways, and to come forward and say, ‘This is what I was doing at the time, and this is what happened to me’ – I want to acknowledge the strength this young lady has shown,” Doherty said.

“It is very heinous to attack any person, particularly a female. She made a number of attempts to leave there … it’s quite gruesome, and I applaud anyone who would come forward and tell that, and it’s enabled us to take this person off the streets.”

Raduma was arrested at Castle Hill on Wednesday and charged with aggravated sexual assault inflicting actual bodily harm, attempted aggravated sexual assault, intentionally choking and armed robbery.

“I would like to encourage any other people who believe they may have been a victim of this person or of any similar offences by any other person, to come forward to police and tell their story so that we can investigate and make sure that they are safe,” Doherty said.

Raduma was refused bail at Parramatta Local Court is due to face court again on January 14.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)

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