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Man from high-profile Victorian family found guilty of rape
A Melbourne jury convicted the man of two rapes in January 2024 after he deceived the victim and altered evidence, with sentencing expected in 2026.
- On Friday, a man from a high-profile Victorian family was found guilty on two rape charges by a County Court jury, with verdicts delivered after less than two days of deliberations.
- Prosecutors described the assault as rape "through deception", saying John pretended to be Chloe's boyfriend before entering her darkened bedroom at John's Melbourne house and digitally penetrating her without consent.
- Messages and a doctored Uber receipt formed part of the prosecution case, with John obtaining and altering Ryan's Uber receipt at about 8.30am to suggest a later departure and urging corroboration.
- After Thursday's verdict, Judge Greg Lyons said he intended to remand John into custody; the case will return for a plea hearing next week and sentencing is likely in 2026 with a years‑long jail term.
- The case has been shrouded in secrecy since mid‑2024 due to suppression orders, while defence barrister David Hallowes SC insisted John was innocent and the complainant 'got it wrong', and Crown prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams said John told lies to deflect blame.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 20%
R 30%
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