Michael Martin, then 26, was accused of attempting to rape 81-year-old Jessie Grace Lauder in 1981. Two years later, at the age of 28, he was accused of raping her again in 1983. The court was informed of these allegations.
The Hoppers Crossing man, now 69, applied for bail at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where details of the alleged crimes were aired.
The second alleged assault took place in July 1983. Lauder reported hearing the sound of breaking glass from the front of her house before being confronted by a man.
Kelly alleged Martin raped Lauder and then said: “Don’t tell the police and papers like you did last time.”
Martin’s attorney requested bail for his client. The reasons cited included health concerns such as ongoing cancer treatment and diabetes, possible case delays, and Martin’s clean criminal record.
“There’s no evidence to suggest he’s led anything but a blameless life in terms of criminal convictions before the court,” defence lawyer Harry Redwood told the court.
But prosecutor Olivia Sparrow objected to Martin’s release on bail as she said there was a risk he may contact Lauder’s grandson.
He was the first person told about the crimes and will be a key witness, she said, after Lauder died in 1993.
Magistrate Melinda Wallington adjourned the bail application to Thursday.
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