Advertisement

Two Army soldiers face rape and kidnapping charges in Cairns and Townsville

August 19, 2025 10:38 am in by
Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

Two serving members of the Australian Army are facing separate rape charges in Townsville.

Newscorp reports Braiden Callow has been charged with two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of deprivation of liberty. The alleged offences occurred at Lavarack Barracks last year.

Callow was arrested in December 2024 and remains out on bail, with no plea entered.

Article continues after this ad
Advertisement

Thomas Mearns, from the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion, also faces one count of rape over an alleged incident in Cairns earlier this year. His matter is adjourned to October 1, and he is not required to appear.

The two cases are unrelated and under active investigation.

Advertisement