High-profile man charged with two counts of rape

A well-known man who has been charged with the alleged rape of a young woman has failed to appear in a Toowoomba court, with his lawyer (pictured) fronting the magistrate instead.

A high-profile man was listed to appear at the Toowoomba courthouse on Wednesday, after he allegedly raped a young woman in October 2021.

The well-known man, who cannot be named due to a law which prevents media outlets from identifying an accused rapist before being committed to stand trial, has been charged with two counts of rape.

On December 9, the man was issued with a notice to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court for the first mention of the rape charges set down for January 11.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Tim Hutton told the court the police brief of evidence was 95 per cent complete so it would be available shortly.

Rowan King of RK Law (centre) leaves the Toowoomba Courthouse following the first mention of a high-profile man charged with rape.

Magistrate Kay Ryan asked defence lawyer Rowan King from RK Law why his client wasn’t in court given he was on a notice to appear in court.

“Why isn’t he here? He has a notice to appear, why is he not here,” Ms Ryan said.

Rowan King of RK Law leaves the Toowoomba Courthouse following the first mention of a high-profile man charged with rape.

Mr King said his client was interstate and could sign bail at a Magistrates Court there.

Ms Ryan remanded the accused on bail on conditions agreed to by the prosecution and adjourned the case for mention back in the same court on February 22.

Both rape offences allegedly occurred on October 10, 2021 in Toowoomba.

Police will allege the two counts of rape relate to the same victim.

Queensland law protects the identity of accused serious sex offenders, preventing media outlets from naming charged persons until they are committed to stand trial – a process that can take several years.

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman announced in late 2022 this law would be changed in 2023.

If you need help, please phone the Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120, 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or 13 HEALTH on 13 43 25 84.