Alex Matters’ lawyer Steve Whybrow says he tried not to be rude to complainant
A defence lawyer representing an ANU student charged with rape has said he tried not to be “facetious or rude” in cross examining a complainant he accused of lying.
Canberra Star
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A defence lawyer who accused a woman of lying about being raped in her university dorm to save face has told a jury he tried not to be “facetious or rude” in cross examining her evidence.
Australian National University student Alexander Matters is facing trial in the ACT Supreme Court after he pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and an act of indecency without consent.
Both charges relate to an alleged incident on May 5, 2021.
In summing up the defence case Lawyer Steven Whybrow told the jury “I suggest to you (the complainant) lied”.
He said the actions of the complainant after the alleged incident, including her texting Mr Matters “Surely we f —k again” the day after the incident as not consistent with a person who had been assaulted.
Mr Whybrow also referenced text messages the woman sent to her friends about wanting to have “revenge sex” to get back at a another man who had left the university for several months.
“Who is close to this who can I exploit … Surely Alex Matters” one text from the complainant read.
Mr Whybrow acknowledged it may have been traumatic for the complainant to give evidence and be cross examined at trial and noted the complainant was able to give evidence in a separate room to Mr Matters
“I tried not to be facetious or rude,” he said.
“Mr Matters does not need to prove himself innocent.
Mr Whybrow said the prosecution case relied heavily on the evidence given by the complainant and said sexual assault allegations are “easy to make”.
“(Think of) your brother or son who could be accused (of something like this) by someone who wants to keep their reputation,” he said.
The jury will continue its deliberations after the Easter long weekend.
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