Defendant in rape trial denies sitting near girl; witnesses disagree
Witnesses and video evidence place him next to the alleged victim. He claims he was nowhere near her.
A man on trial for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl told police he was not sitting near her. The attack allegedly happened at her brother's birthday party.
Witnesses who attended the party gave evidence placing them together. Video evidence shown in court also put them next to each other.
The defence challenged several inconsistencies in the alleged victim's evidence. The area was well-lit and had more than 15 people.
The defence argued this made the alleged attack unlikely. The prosecution highlighted his contradiction to police.
The evidence proved he had the opportunity to commit the alleged assault, they said.
- Supreme Court in Launceston
- Trial location
- October 21, 2026
- Trial date
- More than 15 people present
- People at party
Why it mattersHis accounts of his location and closeness to the alleged victim contradict each other. These contradictions will be central to the jury's verdict.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet unless the verdict influences how such trials assess witness and video evidence nationally.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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