Vic: Accused rapist remanded in custody

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2007
Vic: Accused rapist remanded in custody

MELBOURNE, Aug 24 AAP - A 45-year-old Melbourne man has been remanded in custody after
appearing in court today charged over sexual attacks on 24 women including a string of
offences dubbed the Hot Chocolate rape.

Harry William Barkas, of South Yarra, appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court
today to face 61 charges relating to a series of rapes over a 15 year period.

Barkas, who lived with his mother, was the subject of two separate investigations by
sexual crime squad detectives.

Prosecutor Moya O'Brien requested that Barkas be remanded in custody until a further
hearing on the 14th December this year.

Ms O'Brien told the court that police needed more time to interview witnesses and follow-up
calls from the public.

"Four of the 24 victims are overseas," Ms O'Brien told the court.

"There are also a potential two victims which need to be spoken to."

Magistrate Frank Hodgens remanded Barkas in custody till December 14 and refused bail.

AAP sam/szp/mh/cp

KEYWORD: BARKAS REMAND

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