Geelong committal hearing continues in rape case involving high-profile Australian man

A committal hearing in Geelong Magistrates Court has continued for two men accused of rape and intentional sexual touching, including a high-profile Australian man who cannot be identified due to a suppression order. The pair appeared for the second day of the committal proceedings, facing charges arising from an alleged assault in the early hours of February 5, 2023, after they attended a Geelong strip club and left together with the complainant.

CCTV evidence presented to the court shows the sequence of events in the hours surrounding the incident. The woman is said to have left the strip club with the two men at about 4:17 a.m. and arrived at the Dan Murphy’s car park around 4:21 a.m. The alleged assault is not depicted on the footage, but the woman’s vehicle is seen leaving the car park at about 4:59 a.m. The complainant later phoned a friend about 5:05 a.m. after dropping her alleged attackers at their homes, and did not reach her own residence until about 6:00 a.m., when other friends were waiting for her.

During evidence, a witness testified that there were suggestions the alleged victim had agreed to provide sexual services to the men in exchange for money. The friend who gave that evidence said the woman later claimed she had not given consent to any sexual acts. The witness, who gave evidence on Thursday, also said the complainant had told police she had not consented and that the men had asked her to sleep with them for payment.

Detective Claire Ronaldson told the court there were inconsistencies between the complainant’s initial disclosure and her later police statement. The complainant’s recollection was described as clearer at times but variable at other points, as she recalled that she sometimes became confused when intoxicated. The detective noted that the complainant had reiterated she had not consented to any sexual activity, despite an account in which the second party allegedly sought sexual services for money.

Forensic evidence presented by Dr. Nitin Prakash, who conducted a post‑incident medical examination, indicated the complainant disclosed that she had been choked during the incident. However, Dr. Prakash said there were no visible injuries at the time of examination, and the choking allegation had not been raised with police at the time of the initial report. The medical evidence is part of the record the magistrate will consider as the case proceeds.

The defendants, including the unidentified man and Sinnott, have pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and intentional sexual touching. The court has heard that the alleged offences occurred after the complainant attended a strip club in Geelong, with the car-park incident taking place in Belmont.

The hearings will resume in November, when magistrate Kimberley Swadesir will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial in the County Court. The proceedings are subject to a suppression order restricting identification of the unidentified man.

Legal representatives for the defence have indicated they will continue to challenge the testimony regarding consent and the reliability of witness statements. The complainant’s risk of re‑traumatization and the handling of sensitive material are among the considerations the court will weigh as it moves toward a potential trial date if the evidence is deemed sufficient.

Support services are available for individuals affected by sexual assault and related traumas. In Australia, 1800 RESPECT can be reached at 1800 737 732, and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service can be contacted at 1800 211 028.