Illawarra Man Denies Rape Allegation in Court, Claims Encounter Was 'Just Bumping and Grinding'
An Illawarra man accused of raping a sleeping woman at a house party in 2019 has told police the pair were merely "just bumping and grinding," as revealed in a Wollongong District Court trial this week. The now 27-year-old defendant, Jaylin Smith, pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent, with the jury hearing his police interview where he denied the allegations.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Police Interview
The incident reportedly occurred on December 19, 2023, when Smith was arrested by Lake Illawarra police over sexual assault claims. In the interview played to the jury, Smith described meeting the woman years earlier and crossing paths at a house party in 2019. He claimed they were kissing throughout the night after he put "some charms on," and the following day, they attended a second party where "everyone had to do a line, everyone had to do a shot."
Smith recalled going into an upstairs bedroom with the woman after drinking and playing games, alleging she was "doing a little booty dance" against him before someone interrupted. He denied having sexual intercourse, stating he only consensually put his hand down her pants to "feel her." Upon hearing the woman's allegations that she woke to non-consensual sex and told him to stop, Smith responded, "that's f---ed up, bro," and insisted, "We didn't even have sex, we were just bumping and grinding."
Medical Evidence and Legal Proceedings
The woman underwent a medical examination at Wollongong Hospital later that night, with the Crown alleging that swabs taken match Smith's DNA. However, defence barrister Tim McKenzie urged the jury to listen "very, very carefully" to the DNA results, with expert evidence expected to be presented on Wednesday morning. The trial, presided over by Judge William Fitzsimmons, is set to continue as the jury weighs the conflicting accounts.
Support services are available for those affected by such cases, including Lifeline at 13 11 14, beyondblue at 1300 224 636, and 1800-RESPECT at 1800 737 732.
