Arrest after sexual assaults on women

A SYDNEY man has been arrested over two sexual assaults and two other attacks on women where one had her head pushed into a brick wall.
Detectives from the sex crimes squad this afternoon arrested a 22-year-old man at a timber yard in Lilyfield, in Sydney's inner-west.

Strike Force Waran was established to investigate possible links between the alleged crimes that began in early 2009.

An 18-year-old woman was walking home at about midnight on February 27 through a golf course at Woollahra, in Sydney's east, when a man allegedly confronted her with an knife and sexually assaulted her.

Police also allege that a 19-year-old woman was similarly assaulted just before midnight on June 29 while walking to a townhouse at Mona Vale, in Sydney's north.

A third woman, 31, was walking in Glebe, in Sydney's inner-west, at about 5.20am on August 1 when she was allegedly grabbed from behind by a man with a knife.

He allegedly pushed her head into a brick wall before making off with her wallet.

Just after midnight on August 2, a 35-year-old woman was allegedly grabbed from behind by a man outside her unit complex at Rose Bay, in Sydney's east.

She managed to defend herself before the man fled the scene.

The 22-year-old man was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of assault with intent to have sexual intercourse, malicious wounding and armed robbery.

Sex crimes squad commander John Kerlatec issued a reminder to women to be mindful of their safety.

"While this is a positive step for police, investigations are continuing and I want to remind women in the community to be vigilant of their personal safety especially if they are out walking late at night or early morning," Det Supt Kerlatec said.

"Police encourage the public to use footpaths that are well lit and visible, and to walk in groups rather than alone."

Police expect the man to face court tomorrow.
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