Previously convicted 19-year-old held over alleged rape attempts

A 19-year-old man previously convicted of assaulting women has been remanded for four weeks in alternative custody over two alleged rape attempts in Aarhus. He denies the charges, DR reports.

The man was remanded after a preliminary hearing at Aarhus District Court. Alternative custody means a suspect is placed, for example, in a psychiatric ward or a secure institution instead of a police detention facility.

The alleged attacks took place on July 12 and September 27 in the Risskov area. In one case, the man is accused of trying to put his hand under a woman’s skirt and of robbery. In the other, he is accused of knocking a woman to the ground from behind. She managed to push him away and escape.

The 19-year-old said he would answer questions but denied the charges. The judge closed the hearing to the public, citing the risk of influencing witnesses. A ban on publishing the man’s name was imposed at the defence lawyer’s request, partly because of his age and the early stage of the police investigation.

Tags: Aarhus, crime, courts