Adelaide lawyer enters not guilty plea to sexual offence charges

An Adelaide defence lawyer has pleaded not guilty to three sexual offences and been committed to stand trial in the District Court, marking a significant moment in a high-profile case that has drawn scrutiny to the legal profession in South Australia.

Andrew Robert Graham, 41, of Unley, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday where he entered not guilty pleas to two counts of engaging in sexual intercourse without consent and one charge of compelling a person to sexually manipulate an offender. The alleged offences are dated to January 2025.

Details of the allegations

The court heard evidence that the charges allege Mr Graham committed the offences "knowing or being recklessly indifferent to the fact that the [alleged victim] was not consenting".

Officers from the Special Crimes Investigation Section arrested Mr Graham on New Year's Day 2026, following a complaint investigation. He has since been released on bail pending his September appearance in the District Court.

Legal defence and practising rights

During Thursday's hearing, Mr Graham initially sought to delay entering his pleas pending the filing of four subpoenas he had requested. However, the magistrate determined there was no valid reason to adjourn the matter, and the pleas were entered as scheduled.

Outside court, Mr Graham has previously stated that the allegations are "untrue" and vowed they would be contested.

Martin Hinton KC, South Australia's Director of Public Prosecutions, previously confirmed that Mr Graham remains "entitled" to continue practising law whilst defending the charges against him.

Implications for the legal profession

The case represents a significant moment for South Australia's legal community, raising questions about professional standards and conduct within the defence bar. The circumstances surrounding the arrest and charges have attracted attention beyond the courtroom, given Mr Graham's standing as a defence practitioner.

The District Court hearing in September will determine the outcome of the charges, with the case now moving beyond the preliminary examination stage in the Magistrates Court.

Originally published by ABC News