Accused rapist denied bail over Hoppers Crossing attacks

An accused rapist who allegedly used disguises to stalk women in Melbourne’s west has been denied bail.

Timothy Richards, 39, appeared in court following his arrest over a series of alleged incidents in Hoppers Crossing.

Security footage allegedly shows Richards wearing hi-vis, pushing a trolley and pulling up his pants in what police claim was one of the disguises he used.

Police allege that on Thursday morning, Richards forced his way into a female’s home armed with a kitchen knife before threatening to kill her and raping her twice.

The woman did not know the accused man, according to police.

“Shut up b---. Shut up s---. I will kill you if you make a noise,” Richards allegedly said.

Police say Richards left behind a blood-stained bandage from a wounded leg.

“Preliminary results of the bandage found on the kitchen floor show it’s 100 billion times likely that it is that of the accused,” Detective Senior Constable Aiden Verdun told the court.

Police allege Richards attempted to change his appearance prior to his arrest by shaving his head, removing an eyebrow piercing, and wearing various disguises.

In court, detectives revealed the 39-year-old was also under investigation for two further alleged attacks in the area.

On Thursday night, Richards allegedly attempted to abduct a 21-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop, grabbing her arm before being frightened off by a witness, the court was told.

The following morning, he allegedly followed a woman into Mossfiel Primary School, where he allegedly placed her in a headlock and raped her just before school began.

The court heard Richards has a 22-page criminal history and was on three separate bail orders – for charges including unlawful assault, assault with a weapon, and criminal damage – at the time of his arrest.

He had been granted bail on one of those matters on the morning of the first alleged rape on Thursday.

Richards applied for bail, but the magistrate rejected the application.

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The court heard that Richards may suffer from an acquired brain injury and previously used illicit drugs with his mother.

The court deemed her home unsuitable for bail as she is terminally ill.

In police interviews, Richards denied all allegations.

He has been remanded in custody to reappear in court in November.