Hotel worker charged with teenager's rape possibly behind more attacks

A Sydney hotel worker charged over the sexual assault last month of a teenager who had passed out drunk at a major train station could possibly be behind a string of other rapes and sex attacks dating back almost five years according to police.

The 58-year-old man was granted conditional bail following a brief court appearance last Friday at Central Local Court.

Police allege a heavily intoxicated 18-year-old man fell asleep at Central Railway Station in the early hours of Tuesday, January 8 and passed out sometime before 3.30am following a night out with friends.

He allegedly awoke to discover the man performing a lewd act on him. The man then fled the scene as the 18-year-old called police.

Following further inquiries, officers from City Central Local Area Command arrested the man at his workplace on February 7 and charged him with sexual intercourse without consent.

Officers from State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad have now formed Strike Force Merinda to investigate sexual assaults of a similar nature between 2009 and 2013 and are appealing for anyone who has not already reported such a matter to come forward.

The accused, who is employed at a Darling Harbour hotel, posted a surety of $10,000 at the court hearing last week where he was supported by a number of family members, including his wife. He will next appear at Downing Centre Local Court on April 9.

Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Merinda investigators should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.