Search for witness to Melbourne East sexual assault

Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are seeking to identify a man who is believed to have witnessed an alleged sexual assault of a woman in Melbourne East on New Year’s Day.

Investigators believe the male witness assisted the victim after she fell to the floor at Billboard Saturdays nightclub on Russell Street on 1 January 2026.

Detectives have released images of the male witness they are seeking to identity.

The male witness is perceived to be Caucasian, tall, with no facial hair and short hair with a side part.

He was wearing a long-sleeved button-up shirt and pants.

Detectives arrested a 22-year-old man at Sydney International Airport on 4 January in relation to the alleged sexual assaults at the nightclub and in nearby Corrs Lane.

The French national was extradited to Melbourne the following the night and charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, recklessly cause injury, common assault and two counts of unlicenced driving.

He was remanded to next appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 22 May.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Leonie Johnson

Media Unit

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