Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Gold Coast man acquitted of Aust Day rape
A Queensland man has been found not guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a woman on the Gold Coast in January 2017.
August 9, 2018
A Queensland man accused of raping a woman shortly after they met at an Australia Day party on the Gold Coast last year has been acquitted.
Harley Gene Lewis was found not guilty of raping and sexually assaulting with the circumstance of aggravation in the Southport District Court on Thursday.
Mr Lewis’ barrister Anthony Kimmins said his client agreed a sexual encounter occurred but it had been consensual.
He said his client had “honestly and reasonably” believed the woman had consented.
The court was told the couple met for the first time at a party at Mermaid Beach on Australia Day last year.
The party was hosted by the woman and others at a unit complex.
Crown prosecutor Sarah Lio-Willie alleged Mr Lewis carried the woman to a bedroom about 4am, removed her shorts and bikini bottom, and then sexually assaulting her.
Ms Lio-Willie said Mr Lewis had grabbed the woman’s neck during the assault.
It was also alleged the woman’s hands were tied up with the drawstring from Lewis’ boardshorts.