Sex Crimes Detectives have charged a 35 year-old man with Attempted Sexual Assault after an attack on a 43 year-old woman near the old Fannie Bay jail.

Detective Senior Constable Corey Borton  said the initial assault was observed by a bus driver who alerted Transit Safety Officers.

“Transit Security has confronted the man  during the course of the assault who then ran off into the yards of nearby houses.  General Duty Officers conducted a search and located the alleged offender asleep in the backyard of a house  where he was arrested.”

The woman was taken to RDH for precautionary measures.

Police have also charged the man with Aggravated Assault and Depravation of Liberty.

Detective Senior Constable Borton said Police are asking that anyone who may have witnessed the assault that occurred opposite the ‘Cool Spot’ in Fannie  Bay at about 10.50pm on Friday night to contact Police.

“There were a number of people in the area at the time and we ask that anyone who may have  witnessed the assault  to please call 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”