Police charge man with assault of solo Daylesford hiker
Sydney Morning Herald
by Wendy TuohyFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A 51-year-old man has been charged with assault and aggravated assault following an incident involving Sarah Gibbs, a solo hiker near Daylesford, Australia. The allegations stem from January 27 when Gibbs reported being followed, grabbed, and menaced by the man during her trek on the Goldfields Track. Despite reporting the incident to police, she was initially told little could be done. However, after a public outcry over women’s safety concerns, detectives from the Ballarat sexual offences team intervened.
Gibbs, who films her hikes to encourage other women to explore solo bushwalking and camping, shared footage of the encounter with authorities. She described feeling terrified during the incident and shocked by the lack of police response at the time. Initially, Victoria Police stated no offence had been detected following an investigation on February 12. However, after further scrutiny, detectives arrested and interviewed a man, charging him with common assault and aggravated assault.
The case highlights concerns about safety for solo female adventurers in remote areas. Gibbs’ experience underscores the challenges of reporting such incidents and the importance of public pressure in ensuring justice is served. The charges against the man mark a significant step forward in addressing these issues, offering hope to others who may face similar circumstances. This story resonates globally as it raises critical questions about women’s safety and the response of law enforcement in remote locations.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026