Police apologise to woman who laid alleged sexual assault complaint against top lawyer

A top cop has formally apologised for “investigative deficiencies” to a woman who lodged an alleged sexual assault complaint against a high-profile lawyer. Find out what’s happening now

Judge's legal gavel. Picture: Istock

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has been forced to issue an apology to a woman, saying its handling of her sexual assault allegation against a high-profile Gold Coast lawyer contained “investigative deficiencies”.

However, the QPS says overall after a further internal review of the investigation it was deemed to be “adequately conducted”.

Superintendent Geoff Sheldon made the apology in a letter to the alleged victim, after she complained about the way her case had been handled.

“You alleged QPS conducted an inadequate investigation into your complaint of sexual assault and failed to commence criminal proceedings against the alleged offender,” Supt. Sheldon wrote to her. “Though we may have used different words to describe your concerns or not referred to every issue raised, please be assured the QPS have carefully considered all the information relevant to your complaint.

Queensland Police Acting Chief Supt Geoff Sheldon. Photo: Scott Powick, News Corp

“A comprehensive review of the sexual assault investigation was undertaken...certain investigative deficiencies were identified,” he wrote in the letter seen by the Bulletin, adding a detective overseeing the inquiries into her complaint “directed the case officer to conduct further investigative inquiries which may assist the investigation and such inquiries are continuing”.

The letter continues, saying the detective would monitor the progress of the investigation and “overview” the findings and recommendations of the case officer.

In the QPS apology letter sent to the women and dated 14 May 2021, Supertintendent Sheldon went on to say he was “concerned certain aspects into your complaint of sexual assault were, in the first instance, not investigated adequately. I would like to reassure you your safety and welfare is our first priority and the QPS remains committed to supporting victims of sexual assault.” he wrote in the letter.

“I’d like to apologise to you for any anguish caused as a result.”

The serious sexual assault allegation against a high-profile Gold Coast lawyer dates back to 2020, when he was allegedly in a long-term and intimate relationship with the complainant.

She made a complaint of alleged sexual assault to Queensland police in May 2021 after the pair separated.

It was investigated over a period of eight months, when officers dropped the case and no charges were laid. The man who was accused of the sexual assault has strongly denied any wrongdoing.

To date no charges have been laid.

A QPS response to the Bulletin on Friday said: “In December 2020, Queensland Police investigated allegations of domestic and family violence and sexual assault offences, based on what was available to investigators at the time, providing support to the victim.

“The matter was subject to an internal review around information pertaining to material associated with the investigation, however further inquiries conducted by a senior detective found it to be adequately conducted.”

Her lawyer Jason Murakami of Behlau Murakami Grant said it was unclear if she’d push for the investigation to be reopened.