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A man was apprehended in Sydney following an intensive police search that culminated in a warrant for his capture.
Authorities report that Berguiga assisted a woman who had fallen on the dance floor while celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends at a nightclub in Melbourne.
Subsequently, it is alleged that he sexually assaulted the woman around 4:30 a.m. on January 1, in Corrs Lane, a laneway situated in Melbourne’s central business district.
The accusations against Berguiga include leading the victim to Little Bourke Street before departing the scene, according to police statements.
He was taken into custody at Sydney Airport around noon on January 4 and was then extradited to Melbourne.
Among his charges are two counts of rape, intentionally sexually touching without consent, assault and recklessly causing injury to bruise shoulder, causing soreness to head and grazes to knees, court documents reveal.
He is further accused of driving on Russell Street and King Street in Melbourne’s CBD on January 1 without a licence.
Berguiga, who was assisted by a French interpreter, does not speak any English and was vulnerable in custody due to his young age, his lawyer told the court.
She said it was his first time in custody and asked for her client to be seen by a mental health nurse.
He had one supporter in court, who waved at him and the magistrate during the brief hearing.
Berguiga did not apply for bail and will return to court for a committal mention on April 10.
Help is available from the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.