Former Brisbane Broncos player Teui ‘TC’ Robati is standing trial in Brisbane District Court after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a disabled toilet at a Fortitude Valley hotel in December 2022.
The jury heard confronting allegations on Monday, as Crown prosecutor Isabelle MacNicol detailed the complainant’s version of events. The woman had reportedly been out drinking with friends when she met Mr Robati and another Broncos player at The Prince Consort Hotel.
NEXT: Alarming Void: Rugby Legend Raises Red Flag Over Broncos’ Halves Future
According to the prosecution, Mr Robati invited her upstairs under the pretense of sharing drugs, but instead led her into a disabled toilet and allegedly initiated unwanted sexual activity.
Ms MacNicol told the jury that once inside, Mr Robati allegedly wrapped his arms around the woman and began kissing her. Despite clearly stating she did not want to have sex, the woman claimed she was pressured and compelled to perform oral sex. The court was told she began gagging during the act and felt like vomiting.
“The defendant didn’t take no for an answer,” Ms MacNicol said, adding that Mr Robati forced the woman’s head down a second time after she had stopped briefly.
Robati, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape, was stood down by the Broncos in early 2023 after the allegations surfaced. His defence argues the interaction was consensual and that he believed the woman consented, even if she later viewed the events differently.
The trial, which includes prerecorded evidence from the complainant, is expected to last three days.
