Brother of NSW Finance Minister faces court for alleged sexual assault at St John’s College

A UNSW student and younger brother of NSW Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet is due to face court on charges of sexually assaulting a woman at a St John’s College event in 2015.

Jean-Claude Perrottet, 20, appeared briefly in the Downing Centre Local Court on August 16 on charges dating back to late last year. Court documents were not publicly available, but according to a NSW Police spokesperson the charges relate to three counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

Perrottet’s older brother, Dominic Perrottet, 33, is a member of the NSW lower house representing the seat of Hawkesbury. Since April 2015, he has served in Mike Baird’s ministry as Minister for Finance, Services and Property.

A letter sent in May to members of the St John’s College community by a spokesperson said the college was continuing to prioritise the safety of residents and the community.

“The person charged has no connection with the college other than being present on that one occasion. The police were immediately contacted at the time, and the college acted to ensure that all possible assistance was provided for the young woman,” the letter reads.

St John’s College rector Adrian Diethelm said the college was working to improve procedures for hosting invited guests and the annual formal where the alleged assault occurred will no longer be held.

“Over the last several years we have enhanced the security of the buildings and grounds, and have increased precautions with respect to outsiders entering the property.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for UNSW said the university had no knowledge of the alleged incident and does not routinely comment on police matters.

Perrottet will appear in court on Friday, August 26. Dominic Perrottet’s office and St John’s College both declined to comment on the matter before the court.