Tinder match leads to five-year casual sex relationship and ends in sexual assault charge for Central QLD man who is now in a relationship with her friend

A man convicted of sexual assault after he placed a woman’s hand down his pants had been in an on- again, off-again casual sex relationship with her after matching with her on Tinder five years ago.

A man convicted of sexual assault after he placed a woman’s hand down his pants had been in an on-again, off-again casual sex relationship with her after matching with her on Tinder five years ago.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton District Court last month to one count of sexual assault.

Crown prosecutor Matthew Sutton said the defendant and victim had been drinking alcohol with friends in Emerald on the night of the offence in November 2020.

He said they were walking home together when the defendant made persistent attempts to engage the victim in sexual activity and then grabbed her hand, placing it down his pants so she could feel his penis.

Mr Sutton said the victim removed her hand and continued walking home.

He said the defendant, 29, continued his persistent attempts until she pushed him into a garden.

The court heard there was a photograph taken of the defendant by the victim.

Defence barrister Russell Pearce said his client had an epilepsy seizure shortly before the offence and had been taking medication to prevent seizures.

He said the defendant had met the victim five years prior when they matched each other on Tinder and she worked with a friend of his.

Mr Pearce said the pair had an on-again, off-again casual sex relationship over the years.

He said after his client had the medical episode, she would take him to his medical appointments.

Mr Pearce said the defendant’s current partner had been friends with the victim and lived with her at one stage.

He said the photograph of his client showed he was grossly intoxicated, lying comatose on the road.

“He has no memory of the incident or being in that location while the photograph was taken,” Mr Pearce said.

He said his client woke up the next morning at the victim’s residence.

Mr Pearce said the victim had shared the photograph with a friend.

He said she did not complain to police about the incident until 10 days later.

Judge Jeff Clarke said he accepted this was out of character for the defendant.

“You simply should have kept your hand to yourself,” he said.

Judge Clarke placed the defendant on probation for nine months and no conviction was recorded.