Where a complainant gives evidence of virginity at the time of an alleged sexual offence, this does not open the door to cross-examination about sexual activity occurring after the alleged offence. The rape shield provisions in s 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1978 (Qld) protect against cross-examination on subsequent sexual conduct, which is incapable of throwing light on the question of consent on the occasion in question. Medical evidence of injuries consistent with the complainant's account of penetration remains capable of constituting corroboration even where the accused admits or does not contest the sexual acts.
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