Foreign student accused of massage rape

A masseur accused of raping a teenage girl following a massage in Bryon Bay, on the NSW far north coast, has told a court he denies any wrongdoing.

Victor Colares Machado, a 28-year-old Brazilian living in Australia on a student visa, faced Lismore Local Court yesterday where his lawyer indicated he would be fighting two charges of sexual intercourse without consent, the Daily Telegraph reports.

The alleged assault happed on a Saturday afternoon last November after Machado had massaged the 18-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court heard the teen, who had previously received treatment for an injury, had described the alleged incident as seeming "surreal".

After the massage, she told her ex-boyfriend about what had allegedly happened and went to a local hospital.

A complaint was made to local police and Machado was then arrested and charged.

A committal hearing has been scheduled for May 2.

The teenager has been excused from giving evidence at the hearing but the magistrate ruled an unnamed landlady, who has alleged similar sexual advances from Machado, must appear to give evidence.

Machado was bailed on strict conditions yesterday after his girlfriend, who accompanied him to court yesterday in a show of support, put up a $2000 surety.

He has surrendered his passport and cannot travel overseas.

Source: Daily Telegraph

Author: Erin Tennant, Approving editor: Natasha Lee