A 71-year-old man is facing 35 charges over the alleged abduction and sexual assault of hitchhikers, including a child, in Melbourne's outer east more than 20 years ago.
Police yesterday launched a public appeal, calling for those who hitchhiked in Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges in the late 1990s to share their experiences.
Police said Garry Cook allegedly sexually assaulted two female hitchhikers he gave lifts to in separate incidents.
Both incidents occurred in 1998, in Belgrave and Clematis in the Dandenong Ranges.
Mr Cook has been issued with 35 charges including six counts of rape, abduction of a child under 16, false imprisonment, making threats to kill, sexual penetration of a child under 16, and stalking.
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday morning that it was Mr Cook's first time in custody.
He did not apply for bail and will return to court in November.
Victoria Police said it is investigating the link between these alleged incidents and others occurring in the Dandenong Ranges between 1996 and 2000.
Police are urging anyone who hitchhiked in that period and place, or with further information, to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.
