NSW: Alleged serial sex offender refused bail over attacks

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2008
NSW: Alleged serial sex offender refused bail over attacks

Eds: changes keyword from Assaults charged



SYDNEY, Aug 3 AAP - A man who went to police after seeing CCTV footage of himself on
the news has appeared, via audio visual link, in a Sydney court charged over a string
of sex attacks on young women.

Joey Alber De Mesa, 23, from Minchinbury in Sydney's west, appeared in Parramatta Bail
Court today charged over the attacks which occurred between April and June this year.

De Mesa faces numerous charges, including three counts of aggravated sexual assault,
three counts of aggravated robbery, indecent assault and stalking and intimidation.

Dressed in a black t-shirt he did not speak during his appearance and appeared calm.

De Mesa did not enter a plea and did not apply for bail which was formally refused
by Magistrate Jock Crawford.

Police have previously said his alleged victims, as young as 16, were assaulted in
north-west Sydney suburbs by the same man armed with a knife.

De Mesa went to police after seeing CCTV footage of himself on the news.

"I'm aware that he saw the footage on TV last night and chose to attend Mt Druitt Police
Station," Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec told reporters in Sydney today.

De Mesa will face Penrith Local Court on August 8.

AAP kaj/it/cdh

KEYWORD: DEMESA SECOND LEAD (CHANGES KEYWORD)

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