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Man's rape charge at Urban concert dropped

An 18-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a teenaged girl at a Keith Urban concert in the US has walked away from a rape charge.

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Prosecutors have dropped the case against an 18-year-old man accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at a Keith Urban concert in the US.

Prosecutors say the case against Boston man Sean Murphy, following the July 26 concert, has been closed after "extensive" conversations with the alleged victim, who agreed with the decision.

Murphy had pleaded not guilty to a rape charge, which was filed after concertgoers told police they saw a possible assault on the lawn outside the concert venue in Mansfield, south of Boston.

Bystanders captured the scene on mobile phone cameras.

Murphy's lawyers said the teen regretted the encounter but that it was consensual. The lawyers said at least 15 witnesses had come forward to give statements supporting him.

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Police had said Murphy and the girl were drinking and didn't know each other before the concert.

Officers say a bystander pulled Murphy away and the girl said she had not consented to have sex.

In August, Keith Urban said he was horrified by reports.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected," Urban had said on Facebook.

"This type of behaviour stands in stark contrast to the spirit of our shows."

Several dozen people were treated for alcohol-related illnesses at the concert.


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