Julian Brian Little: Woman allegedly indecently assaulted after event for Premier Roger Cook’s visit

A 40-year-old man has faced court in Geraldton, accused of groping a woman after an event attended by Premier Roger Cook this week. Julian Brian Little appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Wednesday after spending the night in custody for allegedly groping a woman at the QEII Centre in Geraldton. He has been charged with one count of unlawful and indecent assault. Police say Mr Little entered the QEII Centre about 11am on Tuesday after an event held for the Premier’s visit to Geraldton. Mr Cook had just held a press conference making a funding announcement. The accused man reportedly asked for a hug from the victim, and lingered in the embrace. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, allegedly pushed away from Mr Little, who released his arms, sliding his hands down her upper arm. The court was told Mr Little then used his right hand to touch and squeeze the woman’s left breast. Police say the woman pushed him away again, and Mr Little was arrested and taken to Geraldton Police Station about 11.30am. Mr Little’s defence lawyer Veronica Randall said he was receiving National Disability Insurance Scheme payments for “significant cognitive function issues” and was on protective bail conditions. Magistrate Kelly Thompson granted Mr Little bail until June 20, when he will next appear in court. As part of his bail conditions, Mr Little must not come within 25m of the alleged victim. Asked on Thursday, Mr Cook said he was pleased police accompanying his visit were able to take the situation in hand.. “It obviously is very distressing whenever you have that sort of situation occur,” he said. “The (victim) in in this particular case was trying to defuse the situation and the actions which have now been alleged are obviously very regrettable.”