UPDATE
Police “could have done more” to investigate allegations made against a convicted sex offender prior to last week’s attack on a seven-year-old girl at Kogarah, NSW Police Minister Troy Grant said.
In a statement today Mr Grant said victims should be able to have confidence that when they contact police their concerns will be taken seriously.
“The initial indications are that police could have done more, and if that is the case, I’ll expect swift action to be taken,” Mr Grant said.
“I thank the woman for her bravery in coming forward, and would encourage anyone else with information that could assist police to contact them.
“The community rightly expects police to operate to the highest standards, and when that standard isn’t met their actions should be scrutinised.”
Strike Force Howelston, which has been established to investigate the Derby Street alleged sexual assault last week, is also investigating a number of telecommunications offences involving offensive phone calls made earlier this year by the alleged offender, 54-year-old Anthony Peter Sampieri.
“During the course of these inquiries, it has been established the same man was identified following a report by a woman in late October 2018,” a police spokesman said.
“That report allegedly related to offensive phone calls made to the same woman at a business in Sydney's south.”
Mr Grant said Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy has commissioned an internal investigation into the handling of that matter
“I’ve he had made it clear to the Commissioner that I expect this investigation to be completed as soon as possible.
“Like the rest of the community I was shocked when I learned what had happened. As a father, I can’t imagine the horror they must be going through.”
EARLIER
The man accused of sexually assaulting a girl, 7, in a toilet shared by a Kogarah dance studio was identified by police investigating offensive phone calls a month ago.
No charges were laid in connection with that report and police have established an internal investigation into how the matter was handled.
Police are appealing for anyone who believes they may have also been contacted by the man to come forward.
The girl, 7, was allegedly physically and sexually assaulted by 54-year-old Anthony Peter Sampieri about 7.55pm on Thursday, November 15.
Two other men confronted and detained Sampieri and one was stabbed several times during the struggle.
A police spokesman said investigations had continued under Strike Force Howelston, and Sampieri remained in hospital in Corrective Services custody.
“The Strike Force is also now investigating a number of telecommunications offences involving offensive phone calls made earlier this year,” the spokesman said.
“During the course of these inquiries, it has been established Sampieri was identified following a report by a woman in late October 2018.
“That report allegedly related to offensive phone calls made to the same woman at a business in Sydney's south.
“No charges have yet been laid in connection with that report.
“Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations Jeff Loy has commissioned an internal investigation into the handling of that matter to ensure the highest standards of victim care were applied.
“Mr Loy has also personally contacted the parents of the seven-year-old victim of the Kogarah incident to advise them of the current position.
“NSW Police are appealing for any person who believes they may have also been contacted by this man to come forward.
“Further information will be provided as inquiries continue.”
