Melbourne Rape Trial: Alleged Victim Sought Wealth, Court Hears 2026

The Melbourne rape trial has taken a dramatic turn as a court heard that the alleged victim wanted to take a well-connected man for 'all that he's worth,' with a cousin revealing she had the same legal team as Grace Tame. 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 football at his friend’s home.

Key Details from the Court Hearing

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. On Friday, the trial heard evidence from another former personal assistant of the man, who told the court she had a falling out with the alleged victim after the witness refused to take her to drinks with the man in November 2021.

Witness Testimony and Alleged Motives

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. The pair have not spoken since, the witness said in court. 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.

Legal Context and Comparisons

This case has drawn comparisons to high-profile sexual assault trials in Australia, including those involving Grace Tame, the former Australian of the Year and advocate for survivors. The alleged victim’s cousin reportedly stated that she had the same legal team as Tame, suggesting a strategy to maximize financial gain. The defense argues that the allegations are motivated by greed, while the prosecution maintains that the woman is a genuine victim of sexual violence.

Key Takeaways from the Trial

• The accused is a well-connected Melbourne businessman who cannot be named due to legal restrictions.
• The alleged victim was a former personal assistant who claimed she was raped after a night of drinking and cocaine use.
• A witness testified that the alleged victim tried to force her way into the accused’s social and business circles.
• The defense has highlighted inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s testimony, including claims of workplace videos and safety concerns.
• The trial continues in Victoria’s county court, with further evidence expected.

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