Celebrity and sports agent Ralph Carr can be named as the “well-connected” Melbourne businessman who was found guilty of raping a former female employee last month.
A court order that prevented him from being publicly identified has been lifted, meaning the media is now able to report his name.
Carr faced two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault and was found guilty by a unanimous jury last week.
The decision came after a three-week trial where he pleaded not guilty.
The rape and assault occurred at the man’s house on March 23, 2023, after a night where he and the woman had been drinking and taking drugs. The victim is several decades younger than Carr. She spent days in the witness box giving evidence during the trial, detailing what occurred after her former boss texted her asking, “you free this arvo for a meeting”.
Prosecutors had alleged that the woman was assaulted in the man’s bedroom, and the attack ended when she punched him in the face.
Carr’s lawyers were able to stop the public from knowing his name when he was charged in 2023 because of a suppression order that they had applied for. Until Monday, the media was not able to report his name. His lawyers argued his personal safety would be at risk if they did.
It was set to expire when the jury returned the guilty verdict, however Carr’s lawyers applied for a further interim order, saying it was necessary to protect the risk of self-harm and suicide. However, Carr’s team later withdrew its application and it was revoked.
Carr has been taken into custody and will be sentenced at a later date.
Who is Ralph Carr?
Carr, 66, has represented many figures in the Australian music industry, including Kate Cebrano, Vanessa Amorosi and Tina Arena. He and Arena were married for four years but divorced in 1999.
He has also represented Richard Wilkins, Pseudo Echo, Deborah Conway and AFL great Dustin Martin.
Martin released a statement saying he has ended his relationship with his former manager.
“I was shocked to learn of the outcome of the court proceedings,” he said. “I had no knowledge whatsoever of the conduct that led to these convictions. My thoughts are with those affected.”
In 2018, a court ordered Ralph Carr Management to be wound up due to insolvency, however Carr retained his management of some AFL players.
Carr’s barrister Dermot Dann KC said his client would be appealing the guilty verdicts of a jury, and said Carr maintains his innocence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.