Racehorse trainer Craig Thornton pleads guilty to sexual assault charges
Craig Thornton, 60, admitted to three counts of sexual assault and one charge of assault with intent to commit a sexual offence at Melbourne County Court.
3 reports on this incident · first at Sep 5, 2026, 9:16 p.m. ET
This case is not concluded. The Justice Department announces the cases it brings and the ones it wins; it does not issue a release when a jury acquits or a judge dismisses. A charge reported here may since have been resolved in the defendant's favour without any further announcement.
We last searched for new coverage of this at Sep 5, 2026, 9:40 p.m. ET — checked 1h ago.
Earlier reports
Sep 5, 2026, 9:21 p.m. ET
Racehorse trainer Craig Thornton convicted of sexual assault charges
Craig Thornton, a 60-year-old racehorse trainer, has been convicted in the Melbourne County Court of three counts of sexual assault and one charge of assault with intent to commit a sexual offence, as reported by standard.net.au.
The court heard that Thornton dragged a 19-year-old woman into his stables and sexually assaulted her, including kissing and groping her without consent, and assaulting her with intent to commit a sexual offence, according to standard.net.au.
Sentencing is yet to be determined.
Sep 5, 2026, 9:16 p.m. ETFirst report
Racehorse trainer Craig Thornton convicted of sexual assault charges
Craig Thornton, 60, has been convicted in the Melbourne County Court of three counts of sexual assault and one charge of assault with intent to commit a sexual offence, as reported by standard.net.au.
The government alleged Thornton dragged a 19-year-old woman into his stables and sexually assaulted her, including kissing and groping her without consent, and assaulting her with intent to commit a sexual offence, according to standard.net.au.
Thornton awaits sentencing. The date of the alleged incident has not been established in the provided facts.
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Revision history
- Version 16 Sept 2026, 01:21current
First published.
- Version 16 Sept 2026, 01:16current
First published.
- Version 16 Sept 2026, 01:22current
First published.
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