Drouin Gippsland tradie and local cricketer identity Luke Ferguson pleads not guilty to rape charges in court

A Gippsland tradie and cricketer has been barred from drinking alcohol after he was charged with bashing and raping a woman.

Gippsland cricketer Luke Ferguson pleaded not guilty to multiple rape charges. Facebook.

A Gippsland tradesman and local cricketing identity who allegedly bashed and raped a woman has been barred from drinking alcohol while he remains on bail.

Luke Ferguson, 34, pleaded not guilty in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday to various alleged offences including multiple rape charges.

Ferguson, a Drouin-based tradesman and local sporting identity, is accused of raping his victim multiple times late last year.

The alleged rape victim told a witness Ferguson “banged my head”.

Ferguson also allegedly pushed the woman to the ground and kicked and punched her head, according to evidence read to the court.

Luke Ferguson

A witness said the alleged assault was termed “quite a physical, aggressive attack”.

The court heard Ferguson put his arm on the woman’s neck which “referred to strangulation”, a witness told the court.

Luke Ferguson pleaded not guilty

“He roughed me up …,” the alleged victim said.

The alleged victim also claimed Ferguson told her “you’ll do as you’re f---ing told”.

Ferguson, who also pleaded not guilty to assault and recklessly cause injury, allegedly made the woman sexually touch him without her consent, dragged her along a floor and violated her mouth.

The defence attempted to have a single rape charge discharged but were unsuccessful.

The prosecution successfully had a bail condition which barred Ferguson from consuming alcohol remain in place while he was on bail.

Magistrate Therese McCarthy ruled there was sufficient evidence of weight that could support a conviction and sent Ferguson to the County Court to answer his charges.

Ferguson had his bail extended to face court at a later date.

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