Detectives from Victoria’s sex crime squad arrested and interviewed the state MP Will Fowles over a “serious” assault allegation before releasing him without charge earlier this month, police have confirmed.
In August, Fowles had resigned from the parliamentary Labor party over the alleged incident at the request of the then premier, Daniel Andrews. Andrews had described the allegation – which Fowles strenuously denies – as a “serious assault”.
On Tuesday a Victoria police spokesperson said a 45-year-old Ringwood man was arrested, interviewed and released without charge earlier this month.
“Detectives from the sexual crimes squad executed a warrant at a Ringwood address on 12 October as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident in the Melbourne CBD,” the spokesperson said.
“A 45-year-old Ringwood man was arrested at the property and interviewed by police. He was released without charge pending further inquiries.”
The spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing.
Fowles has been contacted for comment.
His arrest was revealed by the Australian.
Andrews’ office referred the alleged incident to police on 3 August after receiving information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault and the then premier said it was not acceptable for the Ringwood MP to remain in the parliamentary party.
Fowles remains a member of the Victorian Labor party.
In August, Fowles responded to the incident on social media, saying it was “not true”. He said the details of the alleged incident had not been outlined to him by Andrews’ office
“I was shocked and distressed to learn last night that an allegation of assault has been made against me,” he said at the time.
He said he believed his resignation would be temporary.
Last month, Fowles advised the speaker he would not attend parliamentary sitting days until the police investigation was concluded. He was replaced as chair of the electoral matters committee.
