Luke Beau Steain from Tuncurry in court for Newcastle sex assault
A Mid-North Coast mental health worker has been charged with sexual assault and leaving injuries which were photographed by police that will allegedly “corroborate” the woman’s version of events, it was heard in court.
A Mid-North Coast mental health worker has been charged with sexual assault and leaving injuries which were photographed by police that will allegedly “corroborate” the woman’s version of events, it was heard in court.
Luke Beau Steain from Tuncurry has been charged with aggravated sexual assault - inflicting actual bodily harm.
The 43-year-old was remanded in custody and appeared by video link from the Taree police station in the online bail court before Magistrate Anthony Murray.
The incident was alleged to have taken place in Newcastle with the police prosecutor saying it was a very concerning set of facts and there seemed to be an “ongoing course of conduct” involved.
The prosecutor said that in some instances “no consent was asked for, or given” and even when the complainant “explicitly” indicated she did not consent Steain “has not accepted”.
It was also heard that the complainant was asleep at one point so was unable to give consent.
“The (alleged) victim reported immediately and this goes to the strength of the case,” the prosecutor said, adding that photos taken by police of her injuries “corroborate her version” of events.
Magistrate Anthony Murray emphasised the serious nature of the charges saying that if Steain was convicted there would be “no doubt” he would be sentenced to full time custody.
The legal aid lawyer acting on Steain’s behalf said it was unlikely the legal service would continue to represent him “given his assets” but indicated Steain would be denying the charge.
The lawyer told the court that the complainant had “wanted more than just a sexual relationship but he (Steain) didn’t”.
Mr Murray noted the nature of the case saying “unfortunately to a large extent it will be the lady’s word against the gentleman’s so I can’t form a view about the strength of the case at this stage”.
Steain has not formally entered a plea in relation to the charge.
He was granted bail to continue living at his Tuncurry home and to report to police at Forster once a week with the usual 8am to 5pm time frame extended to accommodate for his work.
He has entered a $5000 bail security agreement and must stay away from Newcastle.
The matter has been adjourned to January 12 next year.
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