Man accused of decades-long rape and abuse to stand trial

A MAN who allegedly filmed himself repeatedly raping and assaulting a woman at various locations across the Riverina over a 15-year period has been committed to stand trial after pleading not guilty to almost four dozen charges.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared before Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court via audio-visual link on Wednesday, July 29, where he entered not guilty pleas to 45 charges.

The accused, aged in his 60s, faces 32 counts of sexual intercourse without consent, along with a range of other alleged offences including aggravated sexual assault while inflicting bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm, and acting with intent to influence a witness.

Police allege the offending occurred between 2007 and 2024, with the abuse taking place at multiple locations, including the Snowy Mountains township of Adaminaby and parts of the Riverina, including Gundagai.

The court heard the alleged assaults were recorded, with prosecutors intending to rely on about 12 hours of video footage during the trial, which is scheduled to begin in the Queanbeyan District Court in April 2027.

Despite the complainant’s recent death, Crown prosecutors told the court they intended to proceed with the case, stating that “all the evidence is on video”.

The prosecution is also expected to rely on recorded police interviews with the complainant.

Both the Crown and defence are expected to apply for a judge-alone trial at a hearing in August, citing the graphic nature of the alleged footage and concerns about the potential psychological impact on jurors.

The accused was granted conditional bail and is to reside at a property in the Riverina while awaiting trial.

Read more on this story on the ABC News website.

Support is available

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, confidential support is available through 1800RESPECT, Australia’s national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service.

If you are in crisis or need immediate emotional support, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via online chat.

If there is an immediate danger, call 000.