Dion James Campbell Corbett not guilty of schoolgirl rape at Sippy Downs

A “devoted father” and former boxer has walked free from court over allegations he raped and physically assaulted a teenager at a Sunshine Coast house party.

Dion Corbett leaves Maroochydore District Court.

A Sunshine Coast labourer accused of raping a high school student at a party has been found not guilty of all charges after a week-long trial by jury.

Dion James Campbell Corbett pleaded not guilty to nine counts of rape and two counts of common assault on October 24, after he was accused of assaulting the teen girl at a Sippy Downs house party in 2019.

Mr Corbett was acquitted of all 11 counts and walked free from Maroochydore District Court on October 31.

The jury heard evidence from more than 10 witnesses who recounted their memories of the night.

The courtroom was closed as the complainant gave her evidence, claiming Mr Corbett pulled her aside while standing outside with a group of people.

She said Mr Corbett kissed her and forced her to perform sex acts on him before he took her to his car and allegedly slapped her across the face.

Dion Corbett leaves Maroochydore District Court.

Prosecutor Samantha O’Connor said it was the Crown case the girl told Mr Corbett she wanted to go inside, but the alleged rape continued as he moved her away from the house.

He was accused of raping her eight more times and physically assaulted her once more.

The 26-year-old, who boxed in an Australian heavyweight championship, told the court he’d never met the alleged victim before that evening.

He said during the night the pair were making out in several locations near the house before he asked the teenager for oral sex.

Mr Corbett said he couldn’t get an erection and put his hand down the teen’s pants to see whether he could “excite himself”, but ended up throwing up.

He believed the vomiting was a combination of Indian food, Mexican food and alcohol, not excessive intoxication.

Dion James Campbell Corbett faced Maroochydore District Court for day two of his trial on October 25.

Ms O’Connor asked Mr Corbett in cross-examination if he touched the teenager anywhere else on her body.

He said he also touched her bottom under her pants.

Ms O’Connor asked why he hadn’t mentioned that specific detail before, to which he replied he wasn’t thinking straight.

One of the alleged victim’s male friends who was also at the party told the court Mr Corbett was “around the fellas” when he said the teenager was flirting with him and “wanted to suck his d--k”.

The friend said he found the alleged victim at 3.20am and she appeared to have been crying and was shaking, with red eyes, messy hair, a red face.

“We went and sat on the couch and she’s told me that Dion forced her to have sex with him,” he told the court.

Several character witnesses also gave evidence in court, saying they knew Mr Corbett to be a “kind”, “caring” and “loving” person who went above and beyond for his friends and family.

Defence barrister Anthony Kimmons said there was no non-consensual sexual activity between the pair.

He said there was a lack of physical and medical evidence to support the allegations, and the alleged victim had only suffered two small bruises to her fingers and four bruises to her legs.

Originally published as Dion James Campbell Corbett not guilty of schoolgirl rape at Sippy Downs