A cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy has been granted bail after an alleged sexual assault. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to an alleged sexual assault.
A defence cadet facing charges of sexually assaulting another student has been released on bail.
The 19-year-old man, whom Region has chosen not to name, did not enter pleas when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday (11 October).
An ACT Policing spokesperson said they were informed in May 2024 about an alleged sexual assault that had occurred at a residential facility in Campbell.
Following the alleged incident, specialist investigators from the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team started to investigate.
On Thursday (10 October 2024), police carried out search warrants at the facility and the 19-year-old was subsequently arrested.
He has been charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
The man’s defence lawyer said the accused rapist was attending the Australian Defence Force Academy along with his alleged victim.
He asked the court for a bail condition to keep the man at least 20 metres away from the alleged victim.
“They shouldn’t need to be in the same classes, but this is more if they are, for example, in the same hall,” he said.
Magistrate Jane Campbell agreed to this proposal.
She granted bail, with conditions including the distance limit and the man not being allowed to contact the alleged victim or several other people.
After the hearing, the 19-year-old did not leave the court through a main entrance but chose a different exit to avoid media. He covered his face with a jacket and left in a waiting car.
He is next scheduled to face court on 4 November.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732.
Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
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