Deadlocked Verdict Leaves Charges Alive | Sydney News

A former police officer, David Robert Blackbourne, 56, faces multiple rape and sexual assault charges tied to an alleged 1998 incident. After a week-long jury deadlock on four of five counts — including one charge where they found him not guilty — the judge discharged the jury. The alleged victim, then 17, came forward years later, sparking an investigation that led to charges filed in 2023. Prosecutors presented recorded phone calls they say helped her recall details and identify her attacker, while the defense challenged the evidence’s reliability. The unresolved charges will return to court later this month, keeping the legal battle alive. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ee444d6164f24003