A boxing coach has been accused of raping and sexually assaulting a girl he was training, with police planning to re-investigate a previous complaint against the man.
The man, aged in his 30s, who The Canberra Times has chosen not to name on this occasion, was granted bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual intercourse without consent, engaging in a sexual relationship with a young person under special care, and committing an act of indecency without consent.
Police allege the man, who worked out of a gym in Canberra, sexually assaulted the teenage girl on three separate occasions this year after becoming her boxing coach.
Giving evidence to the court, a detective said police had information the man also sexually assaulted a woman who "knows other girls have been subject to sexual assault" as well.
The court heard a different girl had made a complaint against the man several years ago, claiming to have been sexually assaulted by him after a boxing lesson.
The detective said no charges were laid at the time, but they would be re-investigating the allegation.
Prosecutor Bwalya Chifuntwe argued against bail, saying there was a risk of the man interfering with evidence.
Mr Chifuntwe said the coach had called the alleged victim using an alias and tried to influence her into not speaking with police.
The prosecutor stated the current charges involve the coach giving the student a lift home, and sexually touching her despite her saying "no".
"If someone says they don't want you to touch them, don't touch them," Mr Chifuntwe told the court.
Defence lawyer Carley Hitchins said the man was no longer coaching and had no criminal history.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker granted bail with conditions including not being in the presence of a person under 18 unless accompanied by an adult.
He is set to face court again in December.
-
Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; MensLine 1300 789 978; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732; Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525.
