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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Alex Crowe

Cube faces penalties after deleting potential evidence of sexual assault

Eliza Wilson wants venues to uphold their obligation to protect patrons. Picture: Karleen Minney

Cube nightclub will appear before the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal next Friday over a breach of their liquor licensing agreement which ended an investigation into an alleged sexual assault at their premises.

Eliza Wilson was at Cube with friends on a Saturday night in March when she was reportedly assaulted by a stranger while purchasing drinks from the bar.

Ms Wilson reported the assault to police but the investigation was dropped when it was discovered Cube had taped over CCTV footage which may have identified the attacker.

A directions hearing on November 19 will decide what action will be taken against the nightclub after authorities determined back in April that Cube had an obligation to store the footage for at least three weeks.

Cube could face the loss of its liquor license and heavy fines if ACAT determine its policy of taping over footage every seven to nine days was a serious enough breach.

Cube nightclub owner Joshua Cicchini previously told The Canberra Times he had since replaced the system to ensure the venue met compliance.

Following police advice in April that the investigation would not proceed, Ms Wilson began a campaign to better protect victims of sexual assault.

At the time of the incident, Ms Wilson said her treatment by ACT police had left her feeling belittled and disrespected.

She said this week the ACAT hearing felt like a small victory after a long wait for any outcome.

"For quite a while I did not feel safe to go out," Ms Wilson said.

"I would like Cube to face consequences for their actions, I want the consequence to send a message both to Cube and all other places that this conduct is unacceptable and harmful, and it will not be tolerated."

Ms Wilson said through healing from the trauma of the experience and through the support of her friends she is only now feeling safe to go out when in a large group.

"I do worry about a similar event occurring again to me and to others, but I am determined to not let my perpetrator hold power over me and dictate how I live my life," she said.

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