No bail for man accused of rape during Geraldton break-in

A man accused of breaking into a Geraldton home last year and raping the occupant has failed to get bail despite claims of an alibi. Donald Alfred Ring reappeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court today on charges of aggravated burglary, sexual penetration without consent and choking his alleged victim. If convicted he faces a mandatory 15 year jail term. He has yet to enter pleas. It’s alleged the incident occurred overnight on November 10 to 11 in Geraldton, although details have not emerged in court. His lawyer, Kate Fry, told the court an alibi witness confirmed the 57-year-old was in Carnarvon the morning of November 13. However prosecutor Sgt Beau Jones said cell phone data placed him in the Geraldton and Wonthella area between November 8 and 12. “This contradicts what’s been said about him being in Northampton at the time,” he said. “Cell data would suggest the alibi witness is not strong. Of a few lines of enquiry, we’re organising a statement from another witness which could contradict the alibi.” The matter was remanded until May 27 by Magistrate Chris Miocevich, who said he would stop short of formally refusing bail. “What’s in front of me now I’m not prepared to give bail,” he said. “I can always reconsider on that day looking at the strength of the case.” “This will give police time to investigate your alibi evidence and also the evidence of where your phone was at the time.”