A man accused of raping an elderly woman in her bed after breaking into a Geelong nursing home has been committed to stand trial in a Victorian court.
St Albans Park man Shane Huici, 23, is facing a raft of charges over the alleged incident at Tannoch Brae Aged Care in August last year.
Mr Huici allegedly broke into the facility through an unlocked window before raping the 90-year-old woman as she slept in her bed.
His matter was heard before magistrate Johanna Metcalf in Melbourne’s Magistrates Court on Friday.
Mr Huici, who appeared in court via video link, pleaded not guilty to the charges, including rape, aggravated burglary, recklessly cause serious injury, common law assault and theft.
Ms Metcalf told the court there was enough to support a conviction for the offences.
“I am committing you to stand trial at the County Court of Victoria,” she said.
Lawyers for Mr Huici flagged pursuing an alibi defence but were told they must formally give written notice to the court on Friday.
Ms Metcalf stressed the accused must produce evidence that he was somewhere else at the time the offence was committed.
Police allege in August last year the elderly resident woke to find the man sexually assaulting her at the aged care centre before she courageously fought back.
Officers said the woman alerted staff via her personal distress alarm at the Aldershot Rd facility. They rushed to her aid and scared off the alleged attacker.
Mr Huici was arrested the following morning after a wide-scale search involving the dog squad.
The woman suffered injuries and her medical care was ongoing, police said at the time.
The court was earlier told that there was evidence linking Mr Huinci to the crime scene, including DNA and fingerprints.
Mr Huici did not apply for bail and will be remanded in custody until he faces a directions hearing at the County Court on February 14.
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