High-profile man accused of raping woman told series of lies, court hears
Share this @internewscast.com

A prosecutor has accused a man from a well-known family of fabricating stories to evade responsibility after allegedly raping a woman in his residence.

The accused, who remains unnamed due to legal restrictions, is currently facing a jury at the Victorian County Court as the trial approaches its conclusion with both sides delivering their closing statements.

The allegations claim that the man assaulted the girlfriend of a friend at his Melbourne home in the early morning hours of January 14, 2024.

The case was heard at the Victorian County Court.(Nine)

During the trial, it was revealed that the woman had engaged in consensual relations with her boyfriend at the accused’s house. Afterward, her boyfriend arranged for an Uber and departed the premises shortly before 2 a.m.

Prosecutors allege that the accused misled the woman by claiming that her boyfriend’s Uber was canceled and that he would soon return to the bedroom.

According to the prosecution, the accused then entered the dark bedroom, impersonated the woman’s boyfriend, and proceeded to digitally rape her twice.

In the days after, the man doctored an Uber receipt to allegedly make it look like the complainant’s boyfriend had left the house after 2.30am.

The accused admitted forging the receipt but said he did so because he panicked after being falsely accused of rape. 

Crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams told the jury the fake receipt was part of a series of lies the man told to avoid responsibility.

“He was shifting the blame, making it look like there was someone other than him in the house,” McWilliams said. 

He said the jury should ignore the man’s lies and instead believe the alleged victim, who had given clear, consistent and convincing evidence. 

“She’s not mistaken, she’s not confused – she told you what happened,” McWilliams said. 

Defence barrister David Hallowes SC said even the woman had doubted her recollection, telling people she was unsure whether it was the accused or her boyfriend who came into the room. 

Hallowes said the woman did not get a clear look at the offender and it was possible her mind was playing tricks on her when she concluded the accused was responsible.

The defence barrister conceded his client made the “stupid” decision to forge the Uber receipt, but said he did so because he panicked. 

“This is a young man confronting a shocking allegation,” Hallowes said.

“It’s a stupid lie but it’s not a lie that shows he’s guilty.” 

The defence barrister said the man was innocent and should be acquitted of the two rape charges.

Judge Gregory Lyon will give his directions to the jury tomorrow before it begins deliberations. 

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
An accused gunman on the run after two police officers were fatally shot and another was wounded as been identified as Dezi Freeman.

Breaking News: Dezi Freeman, Alleged Cop Killer, Fatally Shot by Law Enforcement

Accused cop killer and fugitive Dezi Freeman has been shot dead by…
Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage

Pressure Mounts to Slash $3 Billion Tax Amid Escalating Fuel Crisis Concerns

Australia’s business chambers want the federal government to reduce the heavy vehicle…
Fuel stockholdings by nation and out-of-order signs on a bowser.

Unveiling the Hidden Truth: The Shocking Oil Stock Graph the Government Overlooked

If oil stopped flowing around the world tomorrow, different countries would find…
Trump slammed over 'huge miscalculation'

Trump Faces Backlash Over Alleged Strategic Misstep: Experts Weigh In

A prominent member of the Coalition has openly criticized Donald Trump’s recent…

Unveiling Iran’s Power Shift: Meet the New Leaders Steering the Nation

The recent US-Israeli strikes have significantly impacted Iran, claiming the lives of…
FILE - A KitKat chocolate bar in Rugby, England, on July 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver, File)

Twelve Tonnes of KitKat Bars Stolen in Major Chocolate Heist

Swiss food giant Nestlé says about 12 tonnes, or 413,793 candy bars,…

Lebanon Decries ‘Brazen Crime’ as Israeli Airstrikes Claim Lives of Three Journalists

In Brief The Israeli military admitted to killing Al Manar correspondent Ali…

Albanese Unveils Strategic Fuel Powers: Key Changes and Their Impact on Australia’s Energy Future

IN BRIEF The Australian government will underwrite private fuel cargo purchases. This…
Man accused of stealing $1500 in diesel forced to siphon it back in

Suspected Diesel Thief Ordered to Return $1500 Worth of Fuel in Unusual Court Ruling

As fuel prices continue to rise, some drivers are reportedly resorting to…
The government's plan to underwrite fuel costs is aimed to shore up supply and bring down costs.

Government Allocates Taxpayer Money to Offset Rising Petrol Prices

The Albanese government will use public funds to bring down the cost…
Donald Trump speaking about his favourite pen at a cabinet meeting today.

Survey Identifies Key Figures Australians Hold Responsible for Fuel Crisis

According to the latest poll conducted by The Australian Financial Review in…

Man in Critical Condition Following Suspected Hit-and-Run Incident

Authorities continue their search for a vehicle and its driver following a…