Two remanded on curse sex charges

Two remanded on ‘curse’ sex charges

Two men charged with 229 sexual offences against a local woman, now 30, have been denied bail.

The woman, from the Fairfield area, told police she was blindfolded and sexually assaulted at various hotels from 2001 to 2005 during ”prayer sessions” for which she paid at least $70,000 to remove a supposed curse on her family.

A Dulwich Hill man, 61, was taken to hospital complaining of chest pains after he was arrested on Friday morning.

He was released the next night, was charged with 150 sexual offences and one count of assault at Burwood police station and was remanded in custody at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.

An Enfield man, 38, faced Burwood Court on Friday on 79 sexual charges.

The pair will next appear in Burwood Court on October 29.

Police allege the Dulwich Hill man claimed to be a spiritual mentor who could ”speak to angels” to remove curses and banish evil spirits including the ”evil eye” and that the victim believed her family was cursed and would suffer illness and death unless the curse was removed.

Fairfield police Acting Superintendent Gary Bailey said none of the alleged assaults happened in the Fairfield area.

Even though the men were described as highly regarded members of the Greek Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox communities Mr Bailey said they ”didn’t have any links to any churches”.

He urged any other victims to come forward.

”These victims are from religious families,” he said.

”Two extremely courageous women have already come forward with information which has led to the arrests of two men.”

Mr Bailey said both victims had been raised to firmly believe in the Orthodox faith.

”We believe this was a major reason why they were persuaded into believing they were cursed,” he said.

”We will allege these women have been the prey of callous individuals who used religious fear to manipulate and abuse them for their sexual gratification and financial gain.”

Call Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.