Inside story of the big Melbourne name facing rape charges: He can't be named, but this is what mysterious accused is now telling friends as his trial looms

By PAUL SHAPIRO, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 14:30, 3 July 2026 | Updated: 14:32, 3 July 2026 Last year, a prominent Melbourne man was quietly the talk of the city. This man, a mover and shaker with a bulging celebrity-packed Rolodex, had his identity suppressed after being charged with sex crimes. The rationale for suppressing his identity was to protect his mental health. A psychiatrist told an October 2024 hearing the accused had been admitted to a mental health clinic twice since being charged amid concerns he posed a risk to himself. Now, in a matter of days, the question of his guilt or innocence will finally be tested before a jury in court. And you can bet the man's many famous mates will be watching proceedings closely. The trial centres on the alleged assault of a young woman. The Daily Mail does not suggest the man is guilty, only that he has been charged. The man was charged in August 2023 with multiple counts of rape, as well as attempted rape and sexual assault. The high-profile man arrives at court with his lawyer Dermot Dann KC (left) on Thursday Police also allege he performed other lewd acts on the woman during the incident, which is alleged to have occurred in March 2023.  The man has pleaded not guilty to all charges. As a pre-trial hearing began this week, sources close to the accused told the Daily Mail he steadfastly continued to deny all the allegations. The man is telling friends the charges are simply untrue, that 'more will come out soon' as the trial begins, and he is looking forward to clearing his name.  Like many cases where an accused's identity is suppressed, the man's name is known to insiders with prior knowledge of the untested claims, but cannot legally be reported by news outlets like the Daily Mail. Previously there had been some doubt as to whether the famous man was indeed facing any charges at all - but that was put to bed after he appeared at court for a brief pre-trial hearing on Friday, December 12. Fast-forward to Thursday and the man's defence counsel, led by top silk Dermot Dann KC, who also represented Greg Lynn, fought it out with the prosecution to determine what evidence would go before the jury after the trial kicks off on July 7. None of what was discussed at court on Thursday can be published due to legal restrictions. The man (seen outside court) is telling friends the charges are simply untrue, that 'more will come out soon' as the trial begins, and he is looking forward to clearing his name The man at the centre of the accusations, whose name will be suppressed throughout his trial, was polite and upbeat while he appeared at court in person on Thursday, arriving alongside Dann. He is a familiar name across the country, but especially in Melbourne and Sydney. While some in the community may not have heard of the accused, they would certainly know of the big names with whom he associates. To be clear: none of the man's associates are accused of any wrongdoing nor are they linked to the allegations against him. After a glittering career that brought him into the orbit of household names, the man landed in trouble after a woman accused him of rape.  Police previously claimed the woman, who also cannot be named as a complainant of sexual assault, was at the man’s Melbourne home at the time of the alleged offences. As for why the man cannot be named, psychiatrist Dr Jacqueline Rakov told an October 2024 hearing that the accused had twice been admitted to a mental health clinic since he was charged because of fears he could harm himself. Rakov said the man suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and had a low mood, a loss of interest in previous enjoyable activities, poor concentration and low self-confidence and sense of purpose. The doctor said the accused was largely staying at home, not going to work or socialising, and panicked about being outside. The accused man's distress had increased after media coverage of an earlier court appearance, the court was told. He had his bail extended to face court next week. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.