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
Sydney to swelter through more heatwave conditions as nine regions face total fire bans

Sydney Braces for Intense Heatwave as Total Fire Bans Implemented Across Nine Regions

Authorities are on alert with extreme fire danger forecast across a large…
Bloodied man screams for help after alleged stabbing in Logan

Alleged Stabbing Shocks Logan: Bloodied Victim’s Desperate Cries for Help

A 35-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing…

Israel Set to Compete at Eurovision 2026 Amid Withdrawals from Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia

Key Points The European Broadcasting Union confirmed Israel will be allowed to…

FIFA Peace Prize: Unveiling the Controversy Behind Donald Trump’s Historic Selection

The draw for the 2026 World Cup took place in Washington on…
Bevan Spencer von Einem's lifeless body was carried away from prison.

Justice Served: Infamous Child Killer Bevan Spencer von Einem Dies Behind Bars

Bevan Spencer von Einem, a notorious convicted child murderer, passed away at…

Perth Airport Incident: Man Faces Charges for Disorderly and Aggressive Behavior

A man from Western Australia is scheduled to appear in court today…

FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw: Australia Set to Challenge Host Nation United States in Group Revelations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw was as dramatic as the Andrea…
Blue is reportedly disappointed with her arrest.

14 Australians Detained in Bali Following Raid Linked to Bonnie Blue

In a dramatic turn of events, fourteen Australians found themselves embroiled in…

Australia Imposes Sanctions on Key Taliban Leaders Amid Growing Concerns

Top Taliban officials have been sanctioned and banned from travelling to Australia…
A boat shortly before it is hit by a strike on September 2.

Controversial Double-Tap Strike: Boat’s Destination Clarified Amidst US Speculation

Intelligence gathered by US forces suggests that a targeted boat was intending…
Bevan Spencer Von Einem, guilty of the murder of 15yr Richard Kelvin.

Convicted Child Killer Bevan Spencer von Einem Passes Away in Prison

Bevan Spencer von Einem, a convicted murderer from South Australia, has passed…

Australia Implements Global Social Media Ban for Teens and Visa Holders: What You Need to Know

Meta has started locking the accounts of under-16s on Instagram and Facebook…