Queensland police officers to stand trial for alleged rape of woman while on duty | Australia news | The GuardianQueensland police officers to stand trial for alleged rape of woman while on duty | Australia news | The Guardian










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Australian police and policing



Queensland police officers to stand trial for alleged rape of woman while on duty









The two Mackay officers, Trent Christopher Birthisel and Rudy Clarence Nonis, each face five rape charges and one count each of assault

















The accused police officers are both in their late 20s. Trent Christopher Birthisel has resigned from the police force while Rudy Clarence Nonis has been suspended without pay. Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP Image



Australian Associated Press


Thursday 11 December 2014 19.23 EST







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Two Queensland police officers have been committed to stand trial accused of raping a woman while on duty.
Trent Christopher Birthisel and Rudy Clarence Nonis each face five rape charges and one count each of assault with intent to commit rape and deprivation of liberty in relation to an alleged attack in Mackay in February.
The pair, both aged in their late 20s, were committed on Thursday evening after a closed hearing in the Mackay magistrates court before Magistrate Ron Muirhead.
Journalists were barred from listening to or reporting on any evidence presented by witnesses listed to address the committal hearing, including the alleged victim.
Muirhead rejected an application by the media to keep the court open, saying a closed court would help ensure the men received a fair trial.
“If the evidence is reported in these proceedings, it’s possible, and I only say possible, the interests of justice may not be met in that the defendants may not receive a fair trial,” he told the court.
Birthisel has resigned from the force and Nonis has been suspended without pay.
Their trial will be held in the district court in Mackay, although no date has been set.



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