‘Insufficient evidence’ to charge ex-MP Michael Johnsen over rape allegations

Former Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not be charged over allegations he raped a prostitute and sent the woman a string of lewd text messages.

Former Upper Hunter Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not be charged over rape allegations aired in parliament.

Former Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not be charged over allegations he raped a prostitute and sent the woman a string of lewd text messages.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has advised NSW Police there is insufficient admissible evidence that Johnsen sexually assaulted the sex worker in the Blue Mountains and offered the woman $1000 for sex at NSW Parliament House in 2019.

The former member for the upper hunter has always denied the claims, and vowed to clear his name when he quit NSW Parliament in March.

Former Upper Hunter Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not be charged over allegations he raped a prostitute.

In a statement, NSW Police said it “sought legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to these matters”.

“Following recommendations made by the DPP there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with charges,” a spokeswoman said.

The claims were aired in the NSW Parliament under parliamentary privilege, and Mr Johnsen’s resignation triggered a by-election in the Upper Hunter seat.

In a statement on his website, Mr Johnsen said he had been “vindicated”.

“The (allegations) have caused immense anguish and stress to myself, my partner and my family, and irreparable damage to us emotionally and financially,” he said.

“They have destroyed my career and sullied my reputation (and) changed the democratically elected representative of an electorate mid-cycle in an unwanted by-election.”