George Joseph McVeigh: Warwick man faces trial for rape, sexual assault

The first day of the trial of a prominent rural and sporting identity has heard confronting allegations the 57-year-old raped and sexually assaulted a woman.

A prominent Warwick stock agent and sporting identity accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman has denied the allegations on the first day of his trial.

George Joseph McVeigh appeared in Warwick District Court on Tuesday, charged with six offences including one count of rape, four of sexual assault and one of attempted rape.

The 57-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

It’s alleged Mr McVeigh performed oral sex without consent and attempted to rape a woman at her home on the evening of January 31, 2021.

Crown prosecutor Catherine Birkett said in her opening statement it was alleged Mr McVeigh was at the woman’s home and insisted she have something to drink and pour herself a glass of wine.

Ms Birkett said it was alleged he at one point told her “he wanted to touch her bottom”.

It is alleged that when the woman said no, Mr McVeigh grabbed and kissed the her despite the alleged victim turning her head away.

The jury was told Mr McVeigh is accused of kissing her neck and ignored her pleas for him to stop, before putting his hands down her pants.

It is further alleged that at one point he put his hand down her shirt and touched her breasts.

The jury was told it would hear evidence relating to claims Mr McVeigh allegedly pulled the woman’s pants and underpants down, pushed her onto her back and forced oral sex on her as she told him to stop.

It is further alleged Mr McVeigh attempted to have intercourse with the woman but was unable to get an erection.

Ms Birkett said McVeigh allegedly said to the woman, “I can’t believe my penis has let me down”.

It is alleged that after he got dressed and was preparing to leave, he moved her hand onto his genitalia and said, “we will try this again,” and tried to kiss her.

Ms Birkett told the jury the woman reportedly called her sister-in-law immediately after, before reporting her allegations to police the following day.

The court was closed earlier in the day while the alleged victim gave her evidence.

The trial continues on Wednesday.