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Skype cadet accused wants to resume course

One of the defence academy cadets charged over the Skype sex scandal has asked for changes to his bail conditions so he can resume his studies.

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A defence academy cadet at the centre of a Skype sex scandal will be allowed to make an application to resume his studies following a court appearance in Canberra.

Daniel McDonald, 19, has been charged with offences relating to a Skype broadcast showing him having consensual sex with a female cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

His lawyer, Tony Burns, on Friday asked the ACT Magistrates Court to alter bail conditions that required his client remain at least 100 metres from the victim.

He sought a limit of five metres, enabling McDonald to resume studies at the academy.

Prosecutor Kylie Weston-Scheuber opposed the application.

Constable Leesa Alexander from the Australian Federal Police's sexual assault team told the court she had spoken to the female cadet on Friday morning.

She had told her that she felt "sick to the stomach" every time she thought of the incident, the officer said.

The female cadet, who is overseas, would not return to ADFA or Canberra if the original bail conditions were altered, Const Alexander said.

Under questioning from Mr Burns, the police officer conceded there had been no sexual assault.

The female cadet had not claimed to have been harassed by McDonald and had admitted the sex had been consensual.

ADFA representative Flight-Lieutenant Michael Bennerman told the court McDonald had controlled his emotions well.

If the bail condition was removed the cadet would be able to apply to resume studies at the academy, he told the court.

A second cadet, Dylan De Blaquiere, charged over the incident has returned to South Australia.

Both cadets have indicated they will plead not guilty to any charges.

The case continues.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


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