The trial of former New South Wales police constable David Robert Blackbourne, 56, has begun at the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney. Blackbourne is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at a police station in 1998 while on duty and in uniform.
Allegations Spanning Multiple Incidents
The prosecution alleges that Blackbourne engaged in a series of inappropriate encounters with the teenager. On one occasion in late 1998, the girl and her friend were offered a lift home by Blackbourne and another officer but were taken to the police station first. There, the officers allegedly gave them alcohol claimed to be “confiscated” and showed them around the station and cells.
Months later, Blackbourne allegedly picked up the teenager from a local pub in a marked police car, handcuffed her, and put his tongue in her mouth without consent. In October 1998, the girl visited the station to borrow a police hat for a costume, where Blackbourne, in uniform, allegedly said “you’re not leaving yet” before kissing her and having sexual intercourse without consent.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Blackbourne has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with act of indecency, two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, and one count of misconduct in public office. The trial is expected to last five days.
Defense barrister Matthew Johnston SC strongly disputes all allegations, denying that Blackbourne ever picked up the complainant, handcuffed her, kissed her, or had any sexual intercourse. Johnston urged the jury to examine the evidence carefully, noting that the incidents occurred over two decades ago and questioning the reliability of the complainant’s recollections, which may have been influenced by a phone call with a police officer in 2020.
Background and Investigation
The victim reported the alleged assault to Victoria Police in 2016, and the case was transferred to NSW Police in November 2021. Blackbourne was arrested and charged in 2023. Judge Huw Baker SC reminded the jury that the burden of proof lies with the Crown to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
The trial continues.
