Andrew Rex Stewart faces court on two counts of rape, denied bail

A Queensland court has heard terrifying allegations as a one-time promising NRL player faces court accused of raping a teenage woman in a rural town west of Brisbane.

Gatton man Andrew Rex Stewart appeared before Ipswich Magistrates Court via video link. Picture: Facebook

A Queensland court has heard terrifying allegations as a one-time promising NRL player faces court accused of raping a teenage woman in a rural town west of Brisbane.

Andrew Rex Stewart, 33, of Gatton, faced two counts of rape in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police prosecutor acting senior sergeant Matt Donaldson said the incident was an “appalling, unprovoked violent attack on an unknown female”.

He said the 18-year-old victim was walking home on a Laidley street when the defendant interacted with her, prompting her to hide behind a dwelling.

“The defendant’s waited for some time before the victim has come out … and the alleged rape has occurred,” he said.

“He’s located within 30m of the incident shortly after it occurred. When he’s located, he’s found in possession of a scooter, a long sleeve black top and green shorts.

“The arresting officer has clarified with myself today that the victim is obviously still supportive of the charges being laid and intends to make this statement in the coming week.”

Magistrate Dennis Kinsella said facts submitted by police alleged the defendant grabbed her and placed her on the ground, before removing her underwear and committing the alleged offences.

“The complainant is said to have attended hospital, having sustained some injuries,” he said.

“These injuries, to my mind, are also important pieces of evidence.”

Defence lawyer Paddy O’Donnell applied for bail on behalf of his client, saying that he had seen the girl as he was walking and asked if she was okay.

“My client instructed that she seemed to be under the influence of alcohol. They had a brief conversation for about five minutes,” he said.

Mr O’Donnell said his client went to a friend’s place before being arrested at a telephone booth near a post office.

He also told the court Stewart claimed he was wearing yellow shorts on that day.

He said Stewart could have a promising NRL career as six clubs, including the Melbourne Storm, were chasing his signatures but he had issues with injuries.

Mr Kinsella said the defendant presented an unacceptable risk to offending and to other members in the community.

“There is a consistency with the description and the male that was located, and more particularly, items of clothing and also possession of a scooter,” he said.

“The evidence appears compelling in this space.”

He refused his bail application and adjourned the case to February 26 for committal mention.

Stewart was remanded in custody.

Originally published as Andrew Rex Stewart faces court on two counts of rape, denied bail