A man was apprehended in Sydney following an intensive search by authorities, who had issued a warrant for his arrest.
Law enforcement officials allege that the suspect, Berguiga, assisted a woman who had fallen on a dance floor while celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends at a nightclub in Melbourne.
The accusations state that shortly after helping the woman, he sexually assaulted her around 4:30 a.m. on January 1, in Corrs Lane, a secluded area within Melbourne’s Central Business District.
Police further claim that Berguiga guided the victim to Little Bourke Street before departing the scene.
On January 4, around noon, Berguiga was detained at Sydney Airport and subsequently extradited to Melbourne to face charges.
Court documents reveal that he faces multiple charges, including two counts of rape, intentional sexual touching without consent, assault, and recklessly causing injury, which allegedly resulted in a bruised shoulder, soreness to the head, and grazed knees.
He is further accused of driving on Russell Street and King Street in Melbourne’s CBD on January 1 without a licence.
Berguiga, who was assisted by a French interpreter, does not speak any English and was vulnerable in custody due to his young age, his lawyer told the court.
She said it was his first time in custody and asked for her client to be seen by a mental health nurse.
He had one supporter in court, who waved at him and the magistrate during the brief hearing.
Berguiga did not apply for bail and will return to court for a committal mention on April 10.
Help is available from the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
