Communication lapse sees alleged sex predator set free

An alleged sex predator – in Australia on a tourist visa – has walked free from custody, following an apparent break down in communications between authorities.

The Korean national was released by Immigration officials, despite being under investigation by the NSW Police Force in relation to a string of alleged sex attacks in Sydney’s CBD.

A 34-year-old woman was grabbed from behind as she walked into The Domain on May 11, while another woman was attacked in Haymarket on June 11.

A strike force was quickly formed in an effort to hunt what police feared was a serial sex attacker. They arrested a man on July 12.

Yongseok Ji was taken to Day Street police station, where officers discovered he was in Australia on an expired visa.

Police notified the Department of Immigration and the 25-year-old taken to Villawood Detention Centre, where Immigration officials were informed he was a suspect in an ongoing sexual assault case.

A day later, detectives from the Sex Crimes Squad were informed by Immigration that legal advice had been received that he should be issued with a bridging visa.

Detectives were notified the suspect had been released from the detention centre, a short time later.

On Tuesday police took the Korean man back into custody.

The next day he briefly faced court. He did not apply for bail and has been remanded in custody.

Immigration officials have confirmed they were aware of the case.