'Gumtree rapist', 53, accused of kidnapping and raping a backpacker in a dirty pig shed says he didn't tell his wife he'd hired her for farm work because they were a 'private family'

  • Accused Gumtree rapist said he didn't tell wife as they were a 'private family' 
  • Gene Charles Bristow, 54, is accused of raping a European backpacker in 2017
  • He allegedly brought the girl to his property about 150km southeast of Adelaide
  • Victim claimed that Bristow pulled out a fake gun, chained her up and raped her
  • She said she managed to escape and used a computer to reach out for help 

A South Australian man accused of kidnapping and raping a European backpacker in an old shed says he did not tell his wife about her because they were a 'private family'.

Gene Charles Bristow, 54, says the woman worked for him for one night but refused to continue because she could not handle the hot conditions.

Bristow is on trial in the District Court over allegations stemming from him having answered an advertisement the woman posted on Gumtree looking for temporary farm work in February 2017.

'Gumtree Killer', Gene Charles Bristow, 54, accused of kidnapping and raping a European backpacker in a pig shed, did not tell his wife because they were a 'private family'

'Gumtree Killer', Gene Charles Bristow, 54, accused of kidnapping and raping a European backpacker in a pig shed, did not tell his wife because they were a 'private family'

During her evidence, the 26-year-old said he took her to a disused pig shed on his property at Meningie, about 150km southeast of Adelaide.

He is then alleged to have pointed a fake gun to her back, chained her up and raped her before she managed to free herself and raise the alarm using her laptop.

In the witness box on Tuesday, Bristow admitted using a different name in the pair's online interactions and giving her incorrect details about the farm's name, location and previous employees.

But he said the woman was never held against her will, instead insisting she was free to move about the farm and leave when she wanted.

The victim, who was hired by Bristow for work, testified saying that he pointed a fake gun at her back, chained her up and raped her before she was able to escape and use her laptop to reach out for help

The victim, who was hired by Bristow for work, testified saying that he pointed a fake gun at her back, chained her up and raped her before she was able to escape and use her laptop to reach out for help

He said he picked her up from a bus stop at Murray Bridge and drove her to the farm, where he showed her the pig shed accommodation and explained the work expected of her.

'She said to me, ''I've been in worse places'',' he said.

'I said ... ''feel free to go and do what you like when you like".' 

The court heard Bristow told the woman she could shower inside his nearby home but he had not told his wife, son and son's partner she was in the shed.

'My wife describes us as a private family ... we don't let strangers into our lives very easily,' he said

'I was at that time looking for employment of my own.

'My wife wouldn't have been too happy about me what she might consider wasting money on paying somebody else to help me with the work.'

'My wife wouldn't be happy about me': Bristow told the court that his wife did not like strangers coming into their lives or asking for help

'My wife wouldn't be happy about me': Bristow told the court that his wife did not like strangers coming into their lives or asking for help

Bristow said he brought the woman water, food and a book but that she told him the next day she could not handle working in the heat.

He said he drove her back to Murray Bridge, helped her check in to a motel and left.

Bristow has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated kidnapping and rape.

The trial continues before Judge Geraldine Davison and a jury.

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'Gumtree rapist’ didn't tell his wife he employed victim to work on his farm southeast of Adelaide

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