Top IP attorney denies sexually assaulting jogger

Witnesses say they had to pin him to the ground after he made a grab for a female jogger, but Carl Harrap says he’s not guilty

Top IP attorney denies sexually assaulting jogger
A top intellectual property lawyer has denied sexually assaulting a jogger in Sydney late last year.

Carl Harrap, a patent and trademark lawyer working at renowned firm FPA – formerly known as Freehills Patent Attorneys – has entered a not guilty plea at the Manly Local Court, according to a report from Perth Now.

“I have instructions to enter a plea of not guilty in relation to the charge,” Joseph Nashed, Harrap’s lawyer, told the court.

Last 28 December, the 40-year-old is alleged to have assaulted a 20-year-old female jogger at the Clontark Track, near Manly in Sydney. Harrap allegedly jumped out of the bushes and grabbed at the jogger’s crotch. The lawyer was tackled to the ground and held by witnesses until authorities arrived, Perth Now reported.

After being taken into custody, Harrap was charged with “assault with act of indecency,” an earlier report by The Daily Telegraph said.

Harrap, who is married with children, is principal at FPA. He joined the firm in 2013 after leaving Herbert Smith Freehills, where he spent seven years.

Apart from qualifications in Australia, he is also a registered patent attorney in New Zealand.

According to Perth Now, the lawyer, who is out on bail, is a member of the Professional Standards Board, which oversees patents and trademarks lawyers in the country.
 

Related stories:
Top Aussie lawyer licensed in NZ charged with indecent assault
Lawyer avoids being struck off after using military free travel pass for years
 

Recent articles & video

K&L Gates assists with launch of $190 million venture capital fund

HSF announces key promotions across Australia

DLA Piper names two new partners in Australia

Gadens guides Viva Leisure in latest acquisition

NRF facilitates Tokyo Gas LNG divestment

How to boost efficiency in your contract process

Most Read Articles

Top young stars of Australia's legal profession for 2024 unveiled

Allens welcomes five new partners

Tech and IP stars join up with Allen & Overy

W+K debuts aviation practice with Clyde & Co lawyer