A woman who accused a well-connected Melbourne man of rape could have done a much better job if she was inventing the story for money, a Melbourne court has heard. The alleged victim's credibility is central to the trial, which involves two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Prosecution argues victim's account consistent
Prosecutor Matthew Fisher told the jury the case came down to six key aspects, including the complainant's evidence and her alleged motive to lie. He noted that trauma does strange things to memory and accounts of sexual assault often differ, but the complainant had not wavered in her description of what happened in the 24 hours after the alleged incident.
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Defense claims fabrications
The accused's lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, described the prosecution's case as a horrendous mixture of lies, fabrications, and inconsistencies. He argued the alleged offending never occurred, and the woman could have invented a more compelling story if she were motivated by money.
| Key Aspect | Prosecution View | Defense View |
|---|---|---|
| Complainant's evidence | Consistent across accounts to mother, police, and doctor | Full of inconsistencies and fabrications |
| Motive to lie | No clear motive; trauma explains memory differences | Alleged victim could have fabricated for financial gain |
| Police body-worn camera | Shows victim at accused's house speaking to police | Does not prove rape occurred |
Timeline of alleged incident
The alleged offences occurred in March 2023 after the woman, a former personal assistant for the accused, spent an evening drinking and taking cocaine with him while listening to music and watching football. The prosecution alleges the man tried to kiss her, sexually assaulted her, and then raped her twice.
Key takeaways from the trial
- The accused did not give evidence during the trial
- The alleged victim gave evidence before a closed court
- The jury must decide based on six key aspects presented by the prosecution
- Defense argues the case is built on a horrendous mixture of lies
- Trauma can affect memory, but consistency may indicate truth
Legal implications and public interest
This case highlights the challenges in sexual assault trials, where credibility often becomes the focal point. The outcome will have implications for how similar cases are handled in Victoria's county court. The jury's decision will hinge on whether they believe the complainant's account or the defense's assertions of fabrication.
FAQ
What are the charges against the Melbourne man?
The man faces two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Why is the alleged victim's credibility questioned?
The defense argues she could have fabricated a better story for money, while the prosecution points to consistency in her accounts to mother, police, and doctor.
What evidence did the prosecution present?
Key evidence includes the complainant's testimony, police body-worn camera footage, and her immediate reports to her mother and a doctor within 24 hours of the alleged incident.
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