Alleged Assault in Underground Carpark
A 30-year-old man described by prosecutors as a persistent sexual offender has been accused of following a random woman into an underground carpark in Braddon and attempting to sexually assault her. The ACT Magistrates Court heard the alleged incident occurred around 5:45pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Court Hears Details of the Attack
The court was told that Lal Ro Puia followed the woman's vehicle into the carpark on Northbourne Avenue. He allegedly persisted in his attack for some time as the woman fought him off. Appearing via video link, Puia was charged with two counts of sexual assault in the second degree and one count of common assault. He is yet to enter pleas.
Prosecutor Tahni Whybrow opposed bail, telling the court this was Puia's fifth series of offending. She stated he had previously spent more than a year and a half in custody for an offence in Victoria and had been undeterred by prior imprisonment or bail conditions.
Bail Denied Amid Community Safety Concerns
Magistrate Glenn Theakston denied bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and Puia's clear pattern of behaviour. The magistrate noted the 30-year-old had a history of engaging in these kinds of sexual offences.
During the court session, Puia yawned and made loud noises before being muted. His Legal Aid lawyer, Ellie Wallis, argued that his mental health was a significant factor and that he was homeless at the time of the alleged assault. She also mentioned he had $62,000 in NDIS funding available and that his father had offered accommodation in Queanbeyan.
The prosecutor countered that there was no evidence his mental health was materially connected to the recent alleged offences. Puia is scheduled to face court again next month.
