Former Liberal MP Rory Amon testified that the complainant in his sexual assault trial claimed to be 17 years old during their interactions, which he said influenced his decision to engage in communication.
Former Liberal MP Rory Amon is currently on trial for sexual assault, with ten charges against him, which include indecent assault of a minor and sexual intercourse with a child. During his testimony, Amon stated that the complainant had informed him of being 17 years old when they communicated about meeting up, asserting that had he known the complainant was under 16, he would have ceased all interactions. This claim is significant because the legal age of consent and the circumstances of the communication form a crucial part of Amon's defense.
The complainant, on the other hand, has maintained that he was actually just 13 years old at the time of their meeting in mid-2017. This discrepancy between Amon's assertion and the complainant's account is at the heart of the court's proceedings, which aim to establish the validity of the allegations against Amon. The trial is taking place in the Supreme Court, where the jury is tasked with deliberating the evidence presented by both sides.
As the trial progresses, the implications of Amon's testimony could significantly sway the jury's perspective on the case. Amon's defense hinges on the assertion of the complainant's age affecting the legality of their interactions, underscoring the complexities surrounding consent laws and the responsibilities of individuals in communication with minors. The trial continues, with further evidence expected to be presented on Monday.
