Charges dropped against horse rider accused of rape, stalking

Olympic equestrian hopeful Callum Buczak will no longer face a rape trial after all charges against him were dropped by the Office of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Buczak was scheduled to front a rape trial in the County Court next week, and fight a stalking charge in the Melbourne Magistrates Court in March, before the prosecution was abandoned this week.

Callum Buczak and then-girlfriend Alexandra McDonough outside Melbourne Magistrates Court.Credit:Erin Pearson

When contacted by The Age on Thursday, Mr Buczak’s lawyer Damian Sheales confirmed the matter was no longer proceeding.

“The Crown have notified us they’re discontinuing the remaining charges. As I understand it, Callum wants to move on and re-establish his career at the top of the equestrian ranks,” Mr Sheales said.

The professional eventer took to social media overnight posting: “After 2½ years I have my freedom back. I have my life back. It’s finally over”.

Through his lawyer he said he always had faith in the justice system.

“I can’t tell you what a relief it is that the criminal proceedings are all over,” Mr Buczak said.

Mr Buczak was charged with rape in mid-2019 following a five-month police investigation into allegations he sexually assaulted another member of the equestrian fraternity. It was alleged the offence took place in Frankston on February 28 that year.

Then, in 2020 his then-girlfriend Alexandra McDonough became embroiled in the case when a string of new charges accused Mr Buczak of encouraging her and others to harass his alleged victim, screenshotting the woman’s Instagram account and sharing her travel plans.

Both Mr Buczak and Ms McDonough were each facing a charge of stalking until this week, but those charges would also be discontinued, Mr Sheales said.

Mr Buczak has always strenuously denied the allegations against him, taking to social media where he told his followers the charges would be “vehemently opposed”.

Callum Buczak.Credit:Instagram

Those close to him said Mr Buczak, an up-and-coming professional eventer who is sponsored to compete, had aspired to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

When contacted for comment on Thursday, a spokeswoman for the Office of Public Prosecutions said: “As the matter is still before the court at this stage, it is inappropriate for us to comment”.

The charges are expected to be formally struck out during previously scheduled hearings at the Melbourne Magistrates Court and County Court in coming weeks.

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