Gang rape case in court

Four accused of sex assault on sleeping woman

A WOMAN was allegedly gang raped by four men after being drawn on with black marker as she slept on the Gold Coast this week, a court has heard.

Two of the accused, one in his teens, made applications for bail in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday following the “extremely serious allegations”.

The pair’s lawyer, Demi Quadrio, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said both men strenuously denied the allegations.

During the applications the court heard allegations that the woman woke about 9am and found someone touching her below the waist.

One of the men allegedly grabbed the woman’s head, forced her mouth open, and assaulted her by pulling back and forward.

A sock was then placed in her mouth, her legs were forced apart and she raped, the court heard.

The victim’s body and the house the group was in was also allegedly plastered with graffiti.

The younger man was supported in court by his mother and sister, who stared at their hands as the allegations were read out.

It was further alleged the younger man contacted the woman via Facebook following was the alleged attack by saying “hey”.

Ms Quadrio said the woman made admissions about taking drugs and was “clearly still affected by the drug use”.

Magistrate Mark Howden said the case depended significantly on what the victim had to say.

Mr Howden said because DNA evidence was required the case was not likely to go to trial for at least a year. He granted the teen bail on strict conditions that included reporting to police twice a week, following a curfew and not contacting alleged co-offenders, witnesses or the victim.

The older man was not granted bail, despite Ms Quadrio submitting he would agree to keep away from the Gold Coast.

The court heard he had only been released from prison earlier this month and was on bail for other matters.

The court heard the older man said a sexual act had happened but he submitted it was consensual.

“You have a lengthy criminal record which includes violence and drugs,” Mr Howden said.

“You are charged with a serious offence.

“You are not a young man. “Police are concerned you would interfere with other witnesses.

“Bail is refused.”