Rape charges against high-profile Australian sportsperson set to be dropped

Rape charges against a high-profile Australian sportsperson, who cannot be identified, are set to be dropped.

A suppression order prevents publication of the sportsperson’s name or any identifying details.

Nine chief football reporter Tom Morris broke the news on Wednesday evening.

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“I understand rape charges against a high-profile Australian sportsperson are set to be dropped,” Morris said.

“The well-known identity had been charged over an alleged incident in 2023, and faced Geelong Magistrates Court about the matter only a fortnight ago.

“The man was facing several charges of sexual assault, including rape, but throughout had denied all charges against him.

“He had been accused, along with a friend, of coaxing an intoxicated woman into her car before driving off and raping her.

“However I know understand the drawn-out matter is set to come to an abrupt end, with the process underway for the charges against him to be dropped.

“The prosecution has filed paperwork with the court indicating its intention to discontinue the matter.

“The process will be formalised at a court hearing in the coming weeks.”

The Age reported Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions will ask for the charges to be withdrawn at a court hearing later this month.

It follows a two-day preliminary hearing at Geelong Magistrates Court to determine whether there was sufficient evidence for the two men to stand trial.

“Two witnesses who testified said they were told in the weeks after the night out that the woman had said she lied about the alleged attack,” The Age reported.

“They heard the men paid the woman for sexual services, but after she demanded more money, which the men refused, she decided to report the interaction as rape, the court was told.”

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