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
A search is under way for a swimmer who disappeared at Maroubra Beach in Sydney.

Authorities Initiate Search for Swimmer Missing in Southern Sydney Waters

A search operation is currently underway to locate a swimmer who vanished…
The parents of 12-year-old shark attack victim Nico Antic joined a paddle out in his honour in Bondi.

Heartfelt Tribute: Parents of Sydney Shark Attack Victim, 12, Lead Emotional Bondi Paddle Out

Juan and Lorena Antic were among more than 100 surfers and swimmers…
Prue Car to return to work tomorrow

Prue Car Triumphantly Returns to NSW Parliament After Overcoming Cancer

Car, who is also the state’s education minister, stepped back from the…
ICE detained boy, 5. Judge ordered him released with scathing takedown

ICE Detains 5-Year-Old Boy; Judge Orders Release with Strong Rebuke

A US federal judge has ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo…

UK PM Urges Prince Andrew to Face US Court Amid Explosive Epstein Revelations

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged former royal Andrew to give…

Discover the Viral App Revolutionizing Social Connection: Are You Still Alive?

A personal safety application from China, initially known as “Are You Dead?”…
Australian Open heat

Relief at Last: Millions Find Comfort After a Week of Intense Heatwave

A refreshing cool front is sweeping across southeastern Australia, offering relief after…
Smoke blanketing Sydney skyline

Sydney Residents Awaken to Dense Smoke Enveloping the City

Sydneysiders woke this morning to a thick blanket of haze after bushfires…
Close-up of male traveler on a vacation holding his passport and boarding pass at airport

Urgent Alert: Expats Advised to Verify Citizenship Status Amid Rising ‘Confusion and Anxiety

An “unconstitutional” law that stripped citizenship from South African dual nationals has…

Heartfelt Paddle-Out at Bondi Honors Young Shark Attack Survivor

The grieving parents of a young shark attack victim have paid tribute…

NSW Poised to Lead with Groundbreaking Law Reform Championed by Abuse Survivors

The sight of a courtroom hearing where a convicted individual is portrayed…
Cyclist, 27, dies after BMX accident on first day of riding

Tragic BMX Accident Claims Life of 27-Year-Old Cyclist on First Day Riding

A man has died after crashing his bike at a skate park…