A former NSW Police officer accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at a police station nearly three decades ago has faced trial in the Downing Centre District Court in Sydney, where the complainant has given evidence about earlier encounters with the officer.
David Robert Blackbourne, now 56, is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl while he was serving as a police officer in a NSW–Victoria border town in October 1998. He has been charged with multiple offences, including sexual intercourse without consent, assault with an act of indecency and misconduct in public office. Mr Blackbourne has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, the complainant told the court that Mr Blackbourne allegedly used his position as a police officer during a series of interactions months before the alleged assaults.
The court heard that on one occasion, the complainant and a friend were taken to a police station late at night in a police vehicle. She told the court that she was offered an alcoholic drink and was later asked by Mr Blackbourne if she wanted to see inside one of the station’s cells.
The woman said she agreed and walked towards the cells, where she was allegedly locked inside by the officer.
She described the cell as “cold and dark and damp” and told the court she became frightened after the door was locked. She said she remained inside for around 10 minutes before Mr Blackbourne opened the door.
The complainant also told the court about another alleged incident several weeks later involving a police vehicle and handcuffs.
She alleged that Mr Blackbourne drove her and a friend to a bushland area before another police vehicle arrived. She told the court that while sitting in the front seat of the police vehicle, Mr Blackbourne placed handcuffs on her and kissed her without permission.
The court heard that the alleged sexual assaults occurred later in October 1998 when the complainant attended the police station to collect a police hat for a school event.
The woman told the jury that she believed she would quickly collect the hat and leave, but said the situation changed when Mr Blackbourne allegedly told her she was not leaving.
She alleged that he kissed her, took her behind the police station counter, removed her clothing and raped her. She further alleged that she was then taken to another room where another sexual assault occurred.
The prosecution is presenting evidence to support its case, while the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations during the trial.
Because the matter is before the court, the allegations against Mr Blackbourne remain unproven. Under Australian law, the accused is presumed innocent unless a court finds the charges proven beyond reasonable doubt.
The trial is continuing, with the complainant expected to provide further evidence before being cross-examined by the defence.
The case has attracted attention due to the allegations involving a serving police officer and questions around the misuse of authority. Police officers are entrusted with significant powers, including the ability to detain people and access police facilities, and are subject to strict professional standards.
