Guilty verdict after three-week trial
On 23 March 2023, a well-connected Melbourne man texted his former personal assistant asking for a meeting. She soon found herself in his luxurious house. Less than 12 hours later, police arrived. On Tuesday, the man was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
His lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, argued there had been no sexual contact. The prosecution said the man tried to kiss her, sexually assaulted her, then raped her twice. The trial hinged on the victim's credibility as she gave evidence over four days in a closed court. The accused did not take the stand.
DNA evidence ruled inadmissible
Evidence during the police investigation included DNA from an early evidence kit self-administered by the complainant. The results showed a mixed DNA sample with two contributors; the major contributor was likely the complainant, the minor contributor had limited profile information and could not be matched to the man, but he could not be excluded. Judge Frank Gucciardo ruled this evidence inadmissible, as allowing it could confuse the jury.
Suppression order for the accused
The man's identity remains secret due to a suppression order first made in 2023, necessary to protect his safety. Psychiatrist Dr Jacqueline Rakov told the court in 2024 that the accused had inpatient admissions related to mental distress from being charged and the prospect of media identification. He had attempted suicide, though these attempts were reported by him and not directly linked to the charges. The order was amended in late 2024 to allow reporting without revealing his identity.
The trial was marked by ill-will between defence and prosecution. The woman had called Dann "Dermot Dickhead" in emails to the police. But both sides agreed the case hinged on her account. The jury believed her. The man was taken into custody and will be sentenced later.
