Two men charged over alleged Falls Festival assaults

Two men, aged 18 and 24, have been charged over two separate alleged sexual assaults in a moshpit at Falls Festival in Marion Bay, Tasmania.

The alleged offences were carried out during sets by local DJ Hot Dub Time Machine and rapper Illy, each occurring on separate days.

The 18-year old from West Launceston is charged has been charged with allegedly touching a woman over the top of her clothes, while the 24-year-old from Penguin, Tasmania has been charged with indecent assault with allegations he touched a woman inside her clothing.

Both men were granted bail. The 18 year old faces the Launceston Magistrates Court on March 7 with the 24-year-old set to face Burnie Magistrates Court on March 8.

Detective Inspector Steve Burk said the men handed themselves in after being identified in photos posted on Facebook by Tasmania Police. Police had earlier asked other patrons from the 11,000-strong crowd that turned in in December last year to provide them with personal footage from the festival to help identify the perpetrators.

The investigation is not over, however. Police are also investigating a rape claim in the camping grounds. Two other women also came forward with allegations of sexual assault at the festival.

Anyone with information about assaults at the festival should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

After the alleged incidents, the victims were given counselling. Police urged patrons to stay with friends, and “If you become isolated and feel unsafe at any time, go straight to the nearest police officer, security guard and talk to them.”

Falls promoters, acknowledging that the matters are being investigated by authorities, posted on social media, “Everybody has the right to move through life — not just at a music festival, but everywhere — free to feel safe and confident to enjoy their surroundings.

“Like everyone else, we are disgusted and angry that some people feel they can inappropriately touch others without their consent.

“We would like to see the conversation turn from telling our women and girls to be on guard and vigilant, to telling our boys and men to have some respect and stop taking these liberties.”