Warning: Graphic Content
A Melbourne man accused of raping an elderly woman twice in the 1980s has been granted bail, despite the prosecution’s objections and the severity of the charges against him.
Michael Martin, now 69, was arrested last week following a DNA breakthrough in the long-running cold case. He stands accused of attacking 81-year-old Jessie Grace Lauder in her Newport home in 1981 and returning to rape her again in 1983.
At the time of the alleged offences, Martin lived just metres away from Ms Lauder, first across the road and later one street over.
The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard that advancements in forensic technology enabled police to extract DNA evidence from samples preserved at the time of the assaults, ultimately leading them to Martin.
Detective Senior Constable Richard Kelly testified that a familial DNA match was first identified in 2022, with direct comparisons confirming Martin as a suspect last year. He was charged on 24 January with attempted aggravated rape, aggravated burglary, rape, common assault, and other offences.
According to police, Ms Lauder was at home alone in September 1981 when Martin allegedly forced his way into her bedroom armed with a knife. Wearing gloves and a pair of underwear over his head, he demanded money from her before attempting to rape her. The court heard that as he left, he warned Ms Lauder not to call the police.
Two years later, in July 1983, Martin allegedly returned, smashing a window to gain entry. Police say he raped Ms Lauder in her home and issued another warning: “Don’t tell the police and papers like you did last time.”
The case remained unsolved for decades, despite renewed appeals for information, including a $500,000 reward issued in 2016. Ms Lauder, who was widowed before the attacks, never returned to her home after the second assault and died in 1993.
During the bail hearing, Martin’s lawyer, Harry Redwood, argued that his client had no prior criminal convictions and had lived a “blameless life” since the alleged offences. He also cited Martin’s recent lymphoma diagnosis and the deaths of his wife and son as factors supporting his release.
Magistrate Belinda Wallington ultimately granted bail, stating that while the charges were serious, there was no evidence Martin posed an unacceptable risk to the community.
Under his bail conditions, Martin must remain at a fixed address in Hoppers Crossing and is prohibited from contacting witnesses, including Ms Lauder’s surviving family members. He is set to return to court in April.
I think it is disgusting that he is out on bail. I could think of a few words to call this low life human🤬🤬🤬🤬. Why should he be allowed to roam the streets after what he did. The law offers no protection for women at all I hope he dies a slow & painful death. 😡😡