Detectives from the Sexual Crime Squad are making a fresh appeal for information over 40 years after 82-year-old Jessie Grace Lauder was sexually assaulted twice in her own home in 1981 and 1983.
Detective Inspector Mark Burnett told the media that, due to advances in DNA technology and information received over the years, investigators are narrowing down their search and believe the man lived in the area during those two years.
“Investigators have been methodically working through the information we received, particularly after the 2016 appeal, and we believe the offender will have lived nearby during that 1981-1983 period of time,” Det. Insp. Mark Burnett said.
The two incidents occurred at the same residential property between September 1981 and July 1983.
The victim, 82-year-old Jessie Grace Lauder, lived alone at her home in Mason Street, Newport. She had lived at the property for 55 years and was widowed in 1977 and died in 1993.
On Tuesday, September 22 1981, Jessie was in bed when a man forced entry through the rear door of the house around 10pm.
The man entered the bedroom armed with a knife and confronted her.
She was then taken to another room in the house and sexually assaulted.
The man is then believed to have looked through Jessie’s purse for money before he left the property and climbed over the back fence into a vacant lot in Oxford Street.
The second incident occurred less than two years later.
On Wednesday, July 6, 1983, Jessie was in the lounge room getting ready for bed when a man forced entry into the house around 9pm, this time through the front door.
The man forced Jessie into the kitchen – police believe this was to ensure there was no-one else in the house – before taking her back to the lounge room where she was sexually assaulted again.
During the second incident, the man referred to the earlier offence and warned Jessie not to call police.
During the incidents, the offender is believed to have worn gloves, a beanie, work boots and items over his face to conceal his identity.
At the time, he was described as being between 20 and 30 years old, with a fair complexion and dark hair, 175cm tall, and speaking with an Australian accent.
“Historical investigations are unique in that updates to science, methodology and legislation allow us to progress a case in a way that may not have been possible at the time of the incident, so receiving information even over 40 years later can still make an enormous difference,” Det. Insp. Mark Burnett said.
Police believe the offender will be known to people who lived in the area at the time and are particularly keen to hear from people who may have seen or heard something.
In 2016, a $500,000 reward for information was announced, which remains on offer.
A reward of up to $500,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the aggravated rape and rape.
In appropriate cases, the DPP may consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Any payment of a reward will be subject to the applicant signing a deed of confidentiality before payment.
“It is as important as ever that the person responsible is brought to justice and I absolutely believe that with the right information, it can be solved. If someone has knowledge of this and has lived with it for over forty years, now is the time to come forward,” Det. Insp. Mark Burnett said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
