Jury finds Western Downs woman not guilty of raping teen

A Western Downs woman has been found not guilty of two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one count of carnal knowledge with a child under 16.

A woman has been found not guilty in Dalby District Court of a historic rape charge. Photo Gen Kennedy / Dalby Herald

The family and friends of a Western Downs woman wept and hugged outside of court after she was found not guilty of a historic rape.

The woman, who cannot legally be named, appeared in Dalby District Court on Monday where she pleaded not guilty to two counts of the indecent treatment of a child under 16 and one count of carnal knowledge with a child under 16. She was found not guilty of all charges.

The Crown previously alleged that the defendant had moved into the home of the complainant who was 15 at the time with the pair engaging in sexual acts on two occasions.

The defendant however stated in her testimony that the relationship had started after the complainant had turned 16 making him of legal age in Queensland.

The complainant and defendant would later form a relationship.

The defence noted the complainant had brought the matter to police in August 2022, several years after it had allegedly occurred.

They described the complainant as “having an obvious axe to grind” and “wanting revenge” on her.

Furthermore the defence stated the defendant had given birth weeks prior to the when offending was alleged to have occurred and due to medical complications would have been unable to engage in sexual activity.

They also produced medical records which supported this.

The jury deliberated for a short time before returning their verdict.

She was found not guilty on all charges with family and friends gasping and sobbing when the verdict was handed down.