A Ballarat man has been found guilty of raping his girlfriend 10-months into their relationship by continuing to have sex with her after she had told him to stop.
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A 12-person jury returned its verdict at the County Court in Ballarat on Thursday afternoon.
The 47-year-old man, who The Courier cannot name to protect the victim's identity, was charged with rape after his partner made an official report to police in 2017 about the 2014 incident.
Crown prosecutor David Cordy told the jury during his closing arguments every woman had a right to say no to sex.
He said no matter how many times the couple had sex during their relationship, she was entitled to say no and to expect he would adhere to her wishes.
"Consent is free agreement," he said.
"She gave clear and unambiguous evidence she didn't want it."
The complainant and three people she told about the sexual assault gave evidence to the court across three days of the trial.
The jury retired to deliberate on Tuesday afternoon.
The man will return to court in July.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
