PHOTO: Rob Brian Grubb leaving the Wollongong courthouse. ACM
A long-time Wollongong real estate director will defend allegations he filmed and sexually touched a teenager after offering her alcohol and cocaine.
A teenage girl was barely conscious when a real estate agent allegedly recorded himself sexually assaulting her after giving her cocaine, a court has been told.
Key points:
- The real estate agent allegedly offered the teenage girl alcohol and cocaine before recording sexual touching
- Police have seized 40 grams of cocaine, BDSM equipment, and a replica machine gun
- Granted bail, Mr Grubb will next appear in court on September 13
Robert Brian Grubb, 58, faced Wollongong Local Court on Monday charged with sexual touching without consent, indictable drug supply, possessing a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing an unauthorised firearm, and possessing a restricted substance.
No pleas were entered during his bail application.
Appearing via video link, Mr Grubb shook his head as allegations were read out, and was supported in court by his ex-wife and one of his daughters.
Police facts tendered to court allege the business owner and father of two met the teenager at Professionals Real Estate in Wollongong on August 18.
Mr Grubb then allegedly drove her back to his home where he said “supplies” were needed, the girl telling him her age during the drive.
“You look the same age as my ex-girlfriend. She was 24 years old,” Mr Grubb allegedly said to the girl.
Alcohol, cocaine supplied
The court was told Mr Grubb allegedly gave the girl alcohol at his home before offering her two lines of cocaine, which she initially refused but accepted after he said: “I really want some but if you’re not going to have any then I won’t.”
She allegedly saw Mr Grubb holding five bags of cocaine.
Mr Grubb allegedly complimented her body before revealing sex toys in his possession.
“Have you ever tried bondage?” Mr Grubb allegedly asked the teen.
Police said the girl told him he she was “uncomfortable answering that” and felt uneasy.
Allegations and arrest
According to police, it was the last thing the victim remembered before waking up naked in a sexual position, with her face pressed onto the floor carpet and Mr Grubb allegedly recording her while rubbing his genitals against hers.
It is alleged the teen was no longer wearing the underwear she arrived in, but instead a G-string with “SWAT” written across it.
She then contacted her friends who picked her up before reporting the incident to the police.
Police told the court that following his arrest on Friday, Mr Grubb’s house was searched where police seized 40 grams of “white powder”, the “SWAT” G-string, a replica machine gun with two jars of metal pellets, BDSM equipment, a crossbow, and erectile dysfunction pills.
Mr Grubb refused to provide pin numbers for police to access his phones, but the court heard a recording would be downloaded and tendered as evidence in the future.
Bail application
Opposing bail, prosecutor Sergeant Chris Manning said the amount of drugs seized was eight times the indictable quantity.
Sergeant Manning said it was inevitable Mr Grubb would serve a jail sentence if found guilty.
“There are significant concerns [for victim protection]. The accused has taken advantage of a vulnerable person while intoxicated and on drugs,” Sergeant Manning said.
Defence lawyer Tim McKenzie said Mr Grubb agreed to attend a police station daily and could deposit $50,000 as surety.
“He has a whole life here with two kids. There are real stakes in place here for him,” Mr McKenzie said.
Mr McKenzie said Mr Grubb recognised he had “a problem with cocaine” but had a limited criminal history.
“He had given back to the community and is a successful man,” his defence lawyer said.
Further charges ‘likely’
Magistrate Claire Girotto said it was likely further charges would be laid, but noted Mr Grubb had “every incentive” to comply as he had a business to run.
Granting bail, Magistrate Girotto said Mr Grubb would be under strict house arrest “with chaperones”.
“I’m not saying you’re guilty, but if convicted a custodial sentence is inevitable,” Magistrate Girotto said.
“Bail is here to mitigate risks. The risks are high, but bail is not meant to punish before a conviction.”
Mr Grubb was ordered to forfeit $20,000, which Mr McKenzie confidently stated “he could afford”.
He will next appear in court on September 13 and is excused if legally represented.
SOURCE: ABC