Man charged in violent assault on Vancouver sex worker

A New Zealand man is facing several charges for the violent kidnapping and assault of a Vancouver sex-trade workerearlier this month.

Michael Edward Farley, 39, has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping and uttering threats. He is also facing deportation for allegedly entering Canada illegally.

Police allege on March 5, Farleypicked up the 42-year-old woman in the Downtown Eastside and drove her to a secluded area where she was allegedly tied up and beaten.

Police received several 911 calls half an hour later describing a woman being dragged by a van on Clark Drive near 13th Avenue.

The woman had apparently managed to partially free herself and, fearing for her life, jumped from the moving van, but ended up being dragged through the streets.

A few days after the attack, police released a sketch of the suspect and video of a white van he was driving.

Police say Farley entered Canada illegally about two years ago and has since been working under an alias as a handyman,but there is no evidence he is responsible for any other attacks.

The woman spent several days recovering in hospital for a head injury after the attack, but has since been released.