Canberra man acquitted of rape charge against woman he met at New Year’s Eve party in 2023

A Canberra man wiped tears from his eyes as a jury acquitted him of raping a woman at a New Year’s Eve party in 2023.

Steven Howarth, 37, faces one count of sexual assault. He was accused of raping the woman as the couple went with others, including teenagers and children, to a nearby oval to set off fireworks.

Mr Howarth denied attacking the woman.

The two did not know each other when they met at the party. A witness said that Mr Howarth had been drinking heavily and swearing.

The victim was also questioned about how much she had drunk.

Jury deliberates for less than a day

The court heard the pair exchanged Snapchat contacts and the woman sent Mr Howarth a picture of her breast.

The woman said she was wearing a dress in the photo.

Mr Howarth’s lawyer questioned them about whether they had flirted during the party.

The woman denied any flirting.

Witnesses in the Oval told the court that the alleged victim appeared very unwell.

A witness described Mr Howarth hugging the woman from behind.

But today, after less than a day of deliberations, the jury acquitted him of rape.