Kent Albert Stephenson to stand trial over rape, sexual assault charges

A Melbourne tradesman who allegedly “forced” sex upon a woman will stand trial after pleading not guilty to a raft of rape and sexual assault charges.

Kent Albert Stephenson will stand trial in the County Court after pleading not guilty to a range of rape and sexual assault offences. Picture: David Crosling

A tradie who is accused of raping a woman on multiple occasions will stand trial in the County Court.

Kent Albert Stephenson pleaded not guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with 13 sexual offences including eight counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and three counts of sexual touching.

It is alleged the woman was raped on multiple occasions by Mr Stephenson, who also allegedly slapped his penis across the woman’s face and groped her bare breast.

A number of witnesses gave evidence in the matter, including the woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted.

A friend of the woman told the court that the alleged victim felt the sex was “forced upon her” by Mr Stephenson.

The woman’s partner also gave evidence, and he attended the police station with her when she initially spoke with police, the court heard.

Kent Stephenson “forced” sex upon his alleged victim.

Charges were then laid by the Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Team in August 2024.

The alleged offending occurred in Melbourne.

The court was closed to the public and media all day on Wednesday while the alleged victim gave her evidence.

At the conclusion of all the evidence, Mr Stephenson, dressed in a suit and tie, was committed to stand trial by Magistrate Timothy Schocker.

The tradesman was read a committal caution by Mr Schocker and told His Honour he would be pleading not guilty to all charges.

He will have to reside at a Narre Warren address as part of his bail conditions.

Mr Stephenson, formerly of Ferntree Gully, will appear before the Melbourne County Court at 9am on May 29 for a directions hearing.