Stephen Edwin Anderson found not guilty of sexually assaulting teenage girl

A top Queensland barrister questioned the impartiality of a police officer investigating the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl during the trial of a Southern Downs man, who was found not guilty.

Stephen Edwin Anderson outside Warwick District Court.

The fate of a southern Queensland man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl on at least two occasions has been determined by a jury.

Stephen Edwin Anderson was found not guilty on two counts of sexual assault in Warwick District Court on July 16. Mr Anderson had been accused of inappropriately touching the alleged victim.

Crown prosecutor Samantha O’Rourke told the court Mr Anderson had made inappropriate remarks about the then 17-year-old’s body, referring to her as ‘bubble but’.

A number of witnesses, including family members and friends, gave evidence during the trial.

Mr Anderson’s wife and daughter also gave evidence, while other family and friends attended in support.

Ms O’Rourke implored the court to consider the context of the alleged offending.

“These actions were deliberately done for sexual gratification,” Ms O’Rourke told the court.

CCTV footage was played to the court showing an interaction between the pair in 2024, where Mr Anderson was allegedly seen to touch the teenager’s backside as he brushed past her.

Southern Downs man Stephen Edwin Anderson was found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault.

When this footage was shown to Mr Anderson during his police interview, which was also played to the court, he told police he thought he had touched her lower back to indicate he was walking past.

Defence barrister David Jones KC reminded the court the area seen in the footage was a tight space and that Mr Anderson’s actions weren’t sexually motivated.

Mr Jones also questioned why the investigating officer, who obtained the CCTV, was unable to provide further evidence of alleged offending.

Defence barrister David Jones KC called into question the impartiality of a police officer who investigated the allegations against his client Mr Anderson. Photo: Covington & Co. Photography

The officer’s decision not to formally interview other people believed to be nearby during the alleged offending was further addressed by Mr Jones.

“The police officer honed in to find supporting evidence against Mr Anderson,” Mr Jones told the court.

The panel of 13 jurors returned their verdict late Wednesday afternoon and Mr Anderson was formally discharged by District Court Judge Terry Gardiner.

Originally published as Stephen Edwin Anderson found not guilty of sexually assaulting teenage girl