Former ANU student accused of drunken alleyway rape denies allegation
A former Australian National University student who has been accused of raping a woman following a pub crawl says he is “worried about his future” because of the allegation.
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The former uni student at the heart of a damning court case detailing a culture of hard drinking and sexual misconduct at the ANU’s John XXIII College has vehemently denied the allegation he sexually assaulted a woman in an alleyway after a pub crawl.
In an affidavit read in court, in an application over an issue separate to the main proceedings, the former student says he has never been approached by police over the allegation and denies it ever happened.
“I understand … that an allegation has been made that I am a rapist,” he said.
The man, now in his early 20s, says it is “of concern” that he has been associated with the frat-like behaviour, including games called “piss tag” and “vom tag” where male residents played a game of drunken chasey, where they had to vomit or urinate on people they were chasing.
“I deny sexually assaulting any person,” he said.
The alleged rapist cannot be named for legal reasons.
“I have great fears this (allegation) will affect my employment,” he said.
“I am worried that not only will this affect me at this time but will follow me for the remainder of my life …”
The woman is suing the college and its resident’s association for negligence, saying they failed their duty of care to her by allowing a culture of hard drinking, hazing and sexual misconduct.
She is not suing her alleged attacker, and he has not been charged over the incident.
The woman, claims the man raped her in an alleyway near Canberra nightclub Mooseheads, following a “pub golf” event, at which students were required to drink a minimum “par” of drinks.
“I normally enjoy good mental health,” the man said.
“However, as a result of these proceedings, I have become anxious and extremely worried about my future.”
The man said he shut down his social media accounts, and is worried about being the target of online bullying.
The man is unlikely to be called as a witness at the trial, which Justice Michael Elkaim has encouraged the college and the woman to try to settle.