Crime Watch: Teen charged with “premeditated” sexual attack on Neutral Bay woman.

By ANNA USHER

A teenager who allegedly followed a Neutral Bay woman off a bus and grabbed her from behind in a “premeditated” sexual attack will remain behind bars on remand.

Dylan Swanson, who turned 18 in February, was visibly emotional as he appeared via video link at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.
After the release of CCTV images, Swanson handed himself into Manly Police Station and was arrested.

He is yet to enter pleas to charges of taking a person with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse, and carrying out a sexual act with another without consent.

Police say a 36-year-old woman was walking down Wycombe Rd in Neutral Bay around 3:30am last Thursday morning after finishing work.

It is alleged she was grabbed from behind by a man who covered her mouth, interfered with her clothing and pushed her against a nearby garage door.

The man allegedly pinned the woman against the door before removing his pants. His victim was able to kick and bite her attacker before he fled on foot towards Military Road.

A crime scene was established, and detectives attached to the North Shore Police Area Command and commenced an investigation into the incident.

Police say she sustained a laceration to her elbow but did not require medical treatment.

Prosecutor Kyle Carlson opposed bail, saying the teen had been charged with serious offences, including one which carried a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Mr Carlson said there was a “strong likelihood” Swanson would receive a custodial sentence if convicted, and the evidence against him was “compelling” given there was CCTV footage “capturing the (alleged) offending”.

He said that evidence was coupled with the “defendant’s own admission” of being on the bus, from which he allegedly followed the woman.

Swanson then allegedly attacked the stranger in a “premeditated” incident Mr Carlson described as causing physical and psychological harm.

Mr Carlson added that the alleged offence was a significant breach of the woman’s safety while she was travelling home from work.

Jessica Su, for Swanson, told the court the alleged offences were serious but argued strict bail conditions, including restrictions on Swanson’s movements and a $5000 surety from his father, could mitigate against risks.

She said her client had a clean record and would face “onerous” conditions in custody due to his age.

Magistrate Annette Christine Sinclair acknowledged Swanson had strong community ties, including a job lined up at the Steyne Hotel in Manly, but found he was a danger to the woman and the community.

He was ultimately refused bail.

The matter has been adjourned to May 15 at the Downing Centre Local Court.