‘A Shakespearean level of manipulation’: Alleged rapist’s Discord messages to woman

A game developer who allegedly choked a woman before raping her tried to convince her to drop the case via Discord, a court has heard.

A game designer who allegedly choked a woman three times before raping her tried to convince the alleged victim to drop the case by messaging her on the gaming platform Discord, a court has heard.

Chance Blair, 34, faced the NSW Supreme Court on Wednesday in a bid for bail after he was arrested in May 2024 following multiple allegations of violence.

The court heard how after the alleged victim went to police, Mr Blair messaged her via Discord her in an attempt to get her to drop the case.

Chance Blair has been accused of raping and choking the alleged victim. Picture: Supplied

Mr Blair has argued the alleged acts were consensual. Picture: Supplied

Discord is a messaging platform, mostly used by online gamers.

“A simple statement like I no longer wish to continue with these matters and will not be attending court in March could and will make a massive f**king difference and I’m not trying to pressure you into it,” the court heard he sent to the alleged victim.

“I genuinely want you to make this decision willingly.”

The messages were extracted from Mr Blair’s phone which was taken following his arrest.

NSW Supreme Court Justice Julia Lonergan said the messages demonstrated a “Shakespearean level of manipulation” by Mr Blair.

Mr Blair has been behind bars since May 2024. Picture: Supplied

“The context seems to be your client attempting to bully and manipulate her,” Justice Lonergan told Mr Blair’s lawyer Brian Royce.

“I’m putting a lot of weight on his. Your client’s manipulative practises is such an important factor in this.”

Mr Royce said his client was not in danger of contacting the alleged victim if he was granted bail, as he had a new partner with which he had a three-week-old baby.

“If anything is going to motivate this man to use the colloquial saying – to stay on the straight and narrow and obey court orders – it’s going to be that,” Mr Royce said.

Messages sent by Mr Blair to the alleged victims. Picture: Supplied

The Supreme Court Judge refused bail – telling the court she was “not satisfied” Mr Blair’s time in custody had changed his “attitude”.

“I am not satisfied he will not interfere with her,” the Judge said.

Mr Blair has argued the allegations were consensual and will plead not guilty to multiple charges when the case eventually goes to trial.

Mr Blair started his gaming business Zero Hour Interactive in 2019.

According to LinkedIn, the company employs 25 people across 11 countries.

Originally published as ‘A Shakespearean level of manipulation’: Alleged rapist’s Discord messages to woman