Hung jury on Ipswich man Michael John Linder accused of rape

An Ipswich court heard when a local business man’s wife stepped out he allegedly raped an 18-year-old woman who was staying at their Booval home. WARNING: GRAPHIC

A jury was left undecided on the alleged rape trial of Ipswich business man Michael John Linder.

The hung jury could not come to a verdict on whether the North Booval man was guilty of digitally raping an 18-year-old woman in his home in 2019.

On Monday, May 5, Mr Linder pleaded not guilty before a jury at the Ipswich District Court to digitally raping the woman.

The alleged victim appeared in court via video link to give her testimony, although the court arranged the seating so that the young woman would not have to see Mr Linder.

On day two of the trial the prosecutor said the young woman started working for the Linder family in 2019.

The court heard the young woman was at the family’s house with Mr Linder and his children, however his wife had left the home.

The court heard the pair had been drinking, which was not uncommon in the Linder household.

Shortly after, the woman began to feel ill and started vomiting.

She removed herself to a bedroom, but Mr Linder followed — by his account, to “check on her”.

The prosecutor said Mr Linder took advantage of her condition by touching her inappropriately while she lay on the bed, moving her underwear aside to penetrate her with his fingers.

The woman took action that night by contacting her friends, who helped her arrange an Uber, and she left the house.

The case will be back before the court at a later date and the trial is likely to run anew.

Shortly after, the woman began to feel ill and started vomiting.

She removed herself to a bedroom, but Mr Linder followed - by his account, to “check on her.”

The prosecutor said Mr Linder took advantage of her condition by touching her inappropriately while she lay on the bed, moving her underwear aside to penetrate her with his fingers.

The woman took action that night by contacting her friends, who helped her arrange an Uber, and she left the house.