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Australian actor John Jarratt denies rape charge

Australian actor John Jarratt leaves the Downing Centre Court in Sydney, Friday, February 1, 2019. Actor John Jarratt, star of Australian film Wolf Creek, has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault in Sydney's eastern suburbs on an 18-year-old woman in 1976.

Australian actor John Jarratt leaves the Downing Centre Court in Sydney, Friday, February 1, 2019. Actor John Jarratt, star of Australian film Wolf Creek, has pleaded not guilty to a sexual assault in Sydney's eastern suburbs on an 18-year-old woman in 1976. Photo: AAP

Actor John Jarratt has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman more than 40 years ago in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The Wolf Creek Star, now 66, is accused of sexually assaulting a then 18-year-old woman at a Randwick home in September 1976.

He formally denied the charge on Friday at Downing Centre District Court and was committed to stand trial from July 1.

Jarratt entered a plea in a lower court in late 2018 but the case was upgraded due to the seriousness of the charge.

The actor said nothing to reporters as he left the court and only spoke two words – “not guilty” – during his short appearance.

Jarratt’s lawyer, Bryan Wrench, has previously said “nothing less than a not guilty verdict” at trial would satisfy his client, who once hosted TV shows Better Homes and Gardens and Play School.

The case has been beset by delays blamed on the prosecution, with Judge Helen Symes expressing her disappointment in December that the Crown had not been ready to proceed.

Police charged Jarratt with rape in August 2018 after the victim came forward in December 2017.

Mr Wench says his client’s career has been “put on suspension” while he fights the allegation.

-AAP

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