Celebrity agent Ralph Carr has been convicted of rape and sexual assault, with a suppression order that had prevented his identification now lifted. Carr, who managed high-profile Australian entertainers and athletes, was found guilty by a jury of two charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault.
The conviction follows allegations that Carr raped a woman at his West Melbourne home in March 2023 after they had consumed cocaine. The woman testified that Carr had initiated sexual contact despite her protests. The jury of nine women and three men returned unanimous guilty verdicts after less than three days of deliberation.
Carr had denied the allegations throughout a 13-day trial. In statements relayed by a psychiatrist during proceedings for a suppression order, Carr reportedly stated, "If I'm guilty, put it on the front page." The court also heard that Carr had been admitted to a mental health facility twice after being charged, due to concerns for his safety.
During the trial, Carr's defense barrister, Dermot Dann KC, argued that Carr was an "honourable character" and "respectful of everyone, women." Other character witnesses included a former Carlton Football Club director and an associate from Carr's management company, who testified to Carr's honesty and respectful demeanor.
Carr, prosecuted under his full name Ralph Carnovale-Carr, was previously known for his work with artists such as Tina Arena, Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi, and Richard Wilkins. He also managed AFL star Dustin Martin, with whom he had a business partnership. Martin issued a statement after the suppression order was lifted, announcing the immediate termination of his professional relationship with Carr.
Tina Arena, Carr's ex-wife, previously described their marriage as "disgraceful" and stated she suffered significant financial loss as a consequence of their union.
The court heard that Carr's defense team had DNA evidence, intended for prosecution, ruled inadmissible. This decision left the jury to rely solely on the victim's account, which they ultimately believed.
Following the guilty verdicts, Carr was remanded in custody. His defense indicated they might apply for a stay of sentence, with his barrister calling the outcome a "gross miscarriage of justice."