A public servant accused of raping a co-worker after a Christmas party allegedly "launched himself" at the woman while she was giving him a lift home, a prosecutor has said.
The man, who has not been named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, faced the start of his ACT Supreme Court jury trial on Monday.
He has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent and committing an act of indecency without consent. The man also denies an alternate count of committing an act of indecency without consent.
It is alleged that after a Department of Defence Christmas party in 2022 at a bar, the man touched his co-worker's breasts without her consent.
He is then accused of digitally raping her through her stockings while she drove him home.
Giving evidence to the court, the alleged victim stated that on the night of the party she was not sexually interested in the man and "was having a good time ... getting to know a colleague".
"In the beginning it was fine, we talked about video games and work stuff ... [but] it changed to be very suggestive and sexual in nature," she told jurors.
"He told me about the last girl he hooked up with, referred to her as a 'meat sock'.
"The conversation turned gross pretty quick so at that point I just wanted to get him to finish his drink and just go."
The alleged victim said the man then touched her breasts without consent but she "didn't want to cause a scene".
"I'm well aware that if I go to a pub there is always something ... especially at work parties."
She said before the alleged indecent assault "he was like any other typical drunk male in a bar".
The alleged victim told the jury that when they left the bar, the man was "that drunk" she offered to give him a lift home.
In an opening address, a prosecutor said that during the drive the woman repeatedly rejected her colleague's advances before he stated "I'd appreciate the chance to change your mind".
The prosecutor told jurors the man is said to have then "launched himself at her", kissed her neck and digitally raped her.
While addressing jurors, defence barrister Jason Moffett argued that the man did touch his co-worker's breasts but it was consensual.
Mr Moffett said the man denies digitally raping the woman or touching her genitalia.
The trial, before Justice Louise Taylor, continues.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525.
