Vic man in court over hitch-hiker charges

Police allege Cook sexually assaulted two female hitch-hikers after picking them up in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs in September and December 1998.

The 71-year-old was on Wednesday charged with rape, abduction of a child under 16, false imprisonment, making threats to kill, procuring sexual penetration of a child under 16, sexual penetration and indecent act with a child under 16, stalking and firearms offences.

Cook's lawyer told the court it was his first time in custody and he was experiencing flu-like symptoms although he had tested negative to COVID-19.

Cook did not apply for bail and was instead remanded in custody.

He is due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court in November.