Former partner of ex-Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Timothy Raymond Mathieson, allegedly pleads guilty to sexual assault
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Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's ex-partner, Timothy Raymond Mathieson, recently appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court to face a charge of sexual assault.
The incident allegedly occurred on March 13, 2022, in Brunswick East, and he was formally charged in May this year.
'[He] intentionally sexually touched [the complainant] by sucking her nipple without her consent in circumstances where the accused did not reasonably believe that [the complainant] consented to the touching,' the charge sheet said.
Mathieson, 66, appeared via video link from his lawyer's office, dressed in a suit and tie. During the court session, Mathieson's lawyer, Brad Penno, stated that his client would allegedly plead guilty to one count of sexual touching without consent if the prosecution agreed to withdraw the second and third charges.
The defence requested that the court consider a diversion, which could lead to Mathieson avoiding a formal conviction for the offence. If approved, the charge would not be recorded on his criminal record.
However, the prosecution has requested at least two weeks to assess whether this diversion is appropriate and to consult with the complainant.
As the legal proceedings continued, Magistrate Roslyn Porter scheduled the case to return to court in August for further deliberations.
Mathieson made no statements to the media as he left his lawyer's office in a white ute.
There is no indication that the matter in question is related to Julia Gillard or that she was aware of it.
During her time as prime minister, Gillard lived with Mathieson in the Lodge in Canberra. However, in March 2022, Gillard revealed that the couple had separated sometime before.
Julia Gillard and Tim Mathieson first met in 2004, but their romantic relationship began in 2006. When Gillard assumed the role of prime minister in 2010, Mathieson was often referred to as the 'First Bloke'—a nod to the overseas tradition of calling the wives of presidents 'first ladies'—as he took on the traditional duties associated with the PM's spouse.
As of now, a spokesperson for Julia Gillard has stated that she will not be commenting on the matter.
What are your thoughts on this news, members? Let us know in the comments below.
The incident allegedly occurred on March 13, 2022, in Brunswick East, and he was formally charged in May this year.
'[He] intentionally sexually touched [the complainant] by sucking her nipple without her consent in circumstances where the accused did not reasonably believe that [the complainant] consented to the touching,' the charge sheet said.
Mathieson, 66, appeared via video link from his lawyer's office, dressed in a suit and tie. During the court session, Mathieson's lawyer, Brad Penno, stated that his client would allegedly plead guilty to one count of sexual touching without consent if the prosecution agreed to withdraw the second and third charges.
The defence requested that the court consider a diversion, which could lead to Mathieson avoiding a formal conviction for the offence. If approved, the charge would not be recorded on his criminal record.
However, the prosecution has requested at least two weeks to assess whether this diversion is appropriate and to consult with the complainant.
As the legal proceedings continued, Magistrate Roslyn Porter scheduled the case to return to court in August for further deliberations.
Mathieson made no statements to the media as he left his lawyer's office in a white ute.
There is no indication that the matter in question is related to Julia Gillard or that she was aware of it.
During her time as prime minister, Gillard lived with Mathieson in the Lodge in Canberra. However, in March 2022, Gillard revealed that the couple had separated sometime before.
Julia Gillard and Tim Mathieson first met in 2004, but their romantic relationship began in 2006. When Gillard assumed the role of prime minister in 2010, Mathieson was often referred to as the 'First Bloke'—a nod to the overseas tradition of calling the wives of presidents 'first ladies'—as he took on the traditional duties associated with the PM's spouse.
As of now, a spokesperson for Julia Gillard has stated that she will not be commenting on the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Timothy Raymond Mathieson, Julia Gillard's ex-partner, will allegedly plead guilty to one sexual assault charge if the other two charges are struck out.
- Mathieson's barrister has requested to have him assessed for a diversion, which could lead to the case being diverted out of the justice system, avoiding a criminal conviction.
- The prosecution is seeking two weeks to assess whether a diversion would be suitable for Mathieson's case, with Mathieson due to return to court on August 31.
- Julia Gillard and Mathieson, commonly referred to as the 'First Bloke', were together for over a decade before separating approximately 18 months prior to March 2022.
What are your thoughts on this news, members? Let us know in the comments below.
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