Broome FIFO rape: Details of terrifying sexual assault emerge as accused man Dean Osborne appears in court

Shocking details surrounding the terrifying rape of a woman who was out on her morning jog in Broome have emerged, with the accused rapist allegedly leaving DNA and reading glasses at the scene — and shaving his beard in the hours following to avoid identification. Dean Osborne is accused of sexually penetrating his alleged victim three times and causing her bodily harm after allegedly grabbing her as the pair crossed paths along Gubinge Road, between Jigal Drive and Sayonara Road around 5.20am on August 5. The 52-year-old electrician appeared in District Court via video link from Broome Regional Prison on August 8, where his bail application was denied. The woman, who is believed to be aged in her 40s, was jogging along the popular track when she saw a man — said to be Mr Osborne — walking in the opposite direction. As the pair drew closer, Mr Osborne then allegedly grabbed the woman and sexually assaulted her in nearby bushland. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Vanessa Day said “dozens” of nearby residents heard the victim’s screams and called the police, with some witnesses coming to help the victim. Sen Const Day also said DNA evidence was located on the victim, with a pair of reading glasses — believed to belong to Mr Osborne — left at the scene. Shoe prints found at the scene also allegedly matched shoes found at Mr Osborne’s accommodation. Prosecutors alleged Mr Osborne shaved his facial hair the following morning, in a move they said was to avoid identification. When arrested, prosecutors say Mr Osborne had scratches on his arms and legs, alleged to be from the incident. It is also alleged CCTV from Mr Osborne’s hotel — the Mantra Frangipani — captured him returning to his room shortly after the alleged incident. The court heard Mr Osborne was in Broome to complete a short-term contract as an electrician. Originally from Victoria, Mr Osborne first came to WA 30 years ago, aged 22. Since then, he has resided in Midland. In the bail application, Defence Lawyer Max Crispe said there was concern over Mr Osborne not being able to take up additional work. Mr Crispe proposed a $20,000 assurance bond for Mr Osborne’s bail, as well as having his passport surrendered. Prosecutors strongly opposed bail. On his Facebook page, Mr Osborne posted that he was flying to Broome on July 24 from the Virgin Australia Lounge at Perth Airport and wrote: “Chillen (sic) on free s..t before I fly to work.” On his LinkedIn profile, he says he is a “qualified electrician with extensive experience within the mining industry”. In denying bail, Magistrate Andrew Maughan said due to the seriousness of the allegations, it would be “inappropriate” to grant bail. The case was adjourned to September 5, 2022.