“A Western Australian man has been charged in relation to a historic sexual assault after DNA evidence linked him to the crime,” a police spokeswoman said. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Malogorski said the alleged incident occurred near Katherine in June 1993. 

The case remained unsolved for 24 years until this DNA breakthrough.

“A 41-year-old man was identified as a person of interest after his DNA matched blood left at the scene,” Det. Sen. Sgt Malogorski said.

“The sexual assault which occurred in 1993 remained unsolved until earlier this year when investigations began again. 

“The advancement of forensic technology led the Northern Investigation Section to have the man extradited from Kununurra back to the Territory,” he said. 

“He was arrested by Kununurra detectives on Thursday morning. 

“It was a great result for the team who worked the case initially back in 1993 and also for the detectives here in Katherine today,” Det. Sen. Sgt Malogorski said.

“A lot of hard work went into this case, and it was a complex and protracted investigation which led to the matter being brought before the court 24 years later.”

The man was remanded in custody to appear in Katherine Local Court today charged with