Rape Charge Reinstated in 1977 Easey Street Killings Case

Prosecutors have reinstated a rape charge against Perry Kouroumblis, 66, who is accused in the 1977 Easey Street killings in Melbourne. This reinstatement follows a magistrate's decision last year to discharge the offense.

Prosecutors have reinstated a rape charge against Perry Kouroumblis, 66, who is accused in the 1977 Easey Street killings in Melbourne.

Committal to Supreme Court Trial

Kouroumblis has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court for the alleged 1977 murders of Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27. He was initially charged with two counts of murder and one count of rape, which was known as carnal knowledge without consent in the 1970s.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet discharged the rape charge in November after a committal hearing. However, on Tuesday, Prosecutor Patrick Bourke SC informed the Supreme Court that a fresh indictment, now including two counts of murder and one of rape, had been filed.

Kouroumblis Pleads Not Guilty

Mr. Kouroumblis has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His barrister, Dermot Dann KC, stated that Kouroumblis maintains he is not responsible for the killings. The defence plans to consider the new indictment prior to pre-trial hearings.

The bodies of Ms. Armstrong and Ms. Bartlett were discovered by their neighbours inside their Collingwood home on January 13, 1977.