A North-West father of four was acquitted on Friday afternoon of the rape of a friend's daughter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 50-year-old stood trial in the Supreme Court in Burnie this week, and the 12-person jury deliberated for less than three hours before unanimously finding him not guilty.
It was alleged that in 2011 the man had entered a then 18-year-old's bedroom at night while she slept and raped her in her own bed.
The jury heard their two families were previously friends and lived across the road from each other in a North-West town.
Crown prosecutor Liz Avery had suggested the rape occurred after a discussion at the accused man's home about the woman's personal life, during which the accused man had said she was dating someone too young for her.
The jury heard the alleged victim became "irate" at that suggestion and had gone home soon after.
Ms Avery asked the man if he had "gone over that night to show her what it was like to be with an older man", which he denied.
Defence lawyer Garth Stevens in closing statements told the jury that they must not regard that question as evidence, and that only the accused man's answer was evidence.
He told the jury the case was a clear matter of his client's word against the alleged victim's.
"In order to return a verdict of guilty... you have to fundamentally accept [her] version," Mr Stevens said.
"If you can't decide between them you must have a doubt."
Mr Stevens said it was essential the jury apply the legal principal of guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and not be influenced by media reporting sexual violence and how alleged victims must always be believed.
"That conversation is very important. But it is a social debate, not a legal debate," he said.
"You cannot allow that very proper debate going on in the community to influence your decision here."
If you have been affected by this story, please call:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner