A woman allegedly bit the thumb of accused to stop assault

Launceston Magistrate Court watched interview footage of a man accused of indecent assault, and heard how he allegedly punched complainant in the face. Read more about the interview.

Man in court over alleged assault of woman in 2021.

A woman has told a court how she was offered $100 to keep quiet after being assaulted.

A hearing continued on Thursday over an alleged indecent assault.

It heard evidence from the woman, whose name is withheld, presented in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Thursday about the alleged assault in the early hours of November 7, 2021.

The complainant did not attend the court.

But the court heard from a 2021 interview how she alleged Robert Blackberry, 31, offered her a ride home from the Commercial Hotel about 4.30am.

Mr Blackberry has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court was told that Mr Blackberry allegedly drove the woman to Long Plains Road in Exeter before he stopped the car.

The complainant said she got out of the car and was grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground.

She said Mr Blackberry put his hand on her mouth and nose and attempted to remove her top.

He then allegedly punched her in the mouth, and then tried to remove her top again, tearing it and exposing part of her chest.

After this, the complainant allegedly bit Mr Blackberry’s hand, around his thumb.

She said Mr Blackberry then took her to the Legana United Petrol Station, where he offered her $100 to not say anything to police.

The court was then shown the footage of Mr Blackberry being interviewed by police on November 11, 2021.

In the footage police identified marks on Mr Blackberry’s hand, but he said the wounds were from a broken beer bottle in his vehicle.

Mr Blackberry said he cut himself, when reaching into the back of the car and the broken glass was behind the console area.

In the interview, Mr Blackberry was shown photos from CCTV footage from outside the pub, where he identified himself and his clothing.

When asked about the alleged assault, Mr Blackberry responded with “no comment”.

In the interview Mr Blackberry answered “no comment” to other questions police asked about his car, who was driving and who was in the vehicle.

He gave the same response to questions about whether the complainant had bitten him.

“This is your opportunity to tell your side of the story,” police said to Mr Blackberry.

Mr Blackberry didn’t comment further.

Crown prosecution tendered evidence of CCTV footage to show Mr Blackberry outside the Commercial Hotel at closing time, 4.30am.

Blood samples were taken from the complainant’s phone and sent to Forensic Science Services Tasmania.

A search warrant was executed for Mr Blackberry’s vehicle and a phone charger cord was collected and sent to services as well to check for blood or DNA.

The hearing was adjourned until April 3.

Mr Blackberry’s bail was extended until then.