Video from the Moment a Woman Reported Her Assault Could Decide a Trial

A rape trial starting this week depends heavily on a 35-minute video from a police officer's camera. The video captures the woman's account to police immediately after the alleged assault. Prosecutors say what she said in that moment—before memory fades or details shift—is more reliable proof than her later testimony in court. The defence argues texts mentioning 'recompense' and prior false claims undermine her credibility. Courts in Victoria increasingly use such recordings to decide cases.