A Melbourne rape trial has heard that an alleged victim wanted to take a well-connected man for “all that he’s worth,” according to court testimony. The man, who cannot be named, faces two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, and has pleaded not guilty in Victoria’s county court. The alleged offences occurred in March 2023 after the woman—a former personal assistant for the accused—said she spent an evening drinking and taking cocaine with him, while listening to music and watching the football at his friend’s home.
Key Allegations in the Melbourne Rape Trial
Prosecutors allege that at the end of the night, the woman was at the man’s house when he tried to kiss her and sexually assaulted her. He then allegedly raped her twice, the trial previously heard. The case has drawn significant attention due to the accused’s connections and the involvement of the same legal team that represented Grace Tame, a prominent advocate for sexual assault survivors.
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Witness Testimony Reveals Tensions
On Friday, the trial heard evidence from another former personal assistant of the man. She told the court she had a falling out with the alleged victim after she refused to take her to drinks with the man in November 2021. The row in a Melbourne hotel culminated in the alleged victim throwing her cutlery on the table and screaming, “how dare you do this to me” and “just one drink, just one drink with [him], why won’t you give me just one drink,” the witness told police.
Under questioning from the man’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, the witness agreed that she formed the opinion that night that the woman was “trying to force her way” into the accused’s world, life, or business. The witness also denied claims that Dann said the alleged victim had made in her evidence, which was given in closed court.
Comparison of Testimonies in the Case
| Witness Statement | Alleged Victim’s Claims (as per defense) |
|---|---|
| Witness described a hotel row where the alleged victim screamed and threw cutlery. | Alleged victim claims witness regularly drank with the accused socially while employed. |
| Witness believes the alleged victim was trying to force her way into the accused’s life. | Alleged victim says witness had a video of the accused shouting in the workplace. |
| Witness denied showing the alleged victim a video of the accused shouting. | Alleged victim claims witness felt unsafe around the accused. |
Key Takeaways from the Melbourne Rape Trial
- The accused is a well-connected Melbourne man facing two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
- The alleged victim is a former personal assistant who claims the assaults occurred in March 2023.
- A cousin of the alleged victim told a witness she would take the accused for “all that he’s worth.”
- The legal team representing the alleged victim is the same one that represented Grace Tame.
- The trial continues with further evidence expected to be heard.
FAQ
What are the charges in the Melbourne rape trial?
The accused faces two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Who is the legal team representing the alleged victim?
The alleged victim is represented by the same legal team that represented Grace Tame, a well-known advocate for sexual assault survivors.
What did the witness testify about the alleged victim’s behavior?
The witness testified that the alleged victim threw cutlery and screamed during a hotel row, and that she believed the woman was trying to force her way into the accused’s life.
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