Anthony Lister: Rape accused artist receiving ‘death threats’
One of Australia’s most famed artists, Anthony Lister, has been receiving death threats and his works have been daubed with the word ‘rapist’ as he awaits trial, a court has heard.
Central Sydney
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Renowned street artist Anthony Lister has complained of receiving death threats as he awaits trial for allegations he drugged and raped teenage art students at his Sydney home, a court has heard.
The man dubbed the “adventure painter” spent nine nights in custody after his high-profile arrest on March 10, when he was charged 18 offences allegedly committed between 2014 and 2018.
Police allege the 40-year-old father sexually assaulted four young women – aged between 18 and 19 – in his Darlinghurst home, after plying them with intoxicating drugs.
After vowing to fight the claims he has enlisted the services of gun defence lawyer Bryan Wrench, who told Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday his client was being demonised while police delayed proceedings.
“We have not received one statement (from police),” Mr Wrench said.
“He receives death threats via email, his murals have been defaced with the word ‘rapist’.
“We’re requesting some proof of the allegations. We just haven’t received anything. This matter is going to trial.”
Lister, credited by some as Australia’s answer to mysterious British artist Banksy, is also accused of tattooing three lines on one woman’s torso without her consent at an event in Redfern.
He also faces a list of drug and weapon possession charges relating to a stash of items including replica pistols and knuckle dusters allegedly seized on the day of his arrest.
Mr Wrench said Lister wanted the matter to proceed to trial as soon as possible and expressed disappointment that he had not received even “bare statements” since the charges were laid.
“There have been a number of people in the public (sending) quite revolting comments,” he said.
“He just wants to clear his name.”
Police began looking into the flamboyant artist in January when Surry Hills detectives formed Strike Force Freestone to investigate several sexual assault allegations that police believed were linked.
Brisbane-born Lister, whose works have hung on the walls of Hugh Jackman, popstar Pink and Pharrell Williams, was arrested during a raid of his inner city home two months later.
During searches of his house and Marrickville art studio police allegedly found a cache of items including four replica pistols – among them a replica Glock and a M8000 ball bearing gun – knuckle dusters and illegal drugs including ‘ice’, cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and cannabis oil.
Lister was then charged with causing grievous bodily harm, five counts of sexual intercourse without consent and using an intoxicating substance to commit an indictable offence.
He also faces seven counts of possessing prohibited drugs, possessing a prohibited weapon and four counts of possessing a prohibited firearm.
Lister broke down in tears as he was granted bail on March 19 after offering a $20,000 surety and was ordered to surrender his passport.
Police foreshadowed the possibility of further charges being laid telling the court in March that two more alleged victims had come forward. So far no new charges have been forthcoming.
The matter will return to court on June 18.