Gold Coast lifesaver Connor James Buhk found not guilty of raping woman in Kirra Surf Club in 2020

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Supporters of a Gold Coast lifesaver have cheered and clapped as he was acquitted over allegations he raped a drunk woman in a surf club.

Connor James Buhk, 25, has stood trial in the Queensland District Court this week after pleading not guilty to raping the woman in a bedroom of the Kirra Surf Club after an awards night in 2020.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Gold Coast lifesaver on trial for rape.

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Prosecutors said the woman had been drinking and was taken by friends to the bedroom to sleep.

She claimed she woke to find Buhk raping her.

The woman was taken to hospital but did not require treatment for any injuries, the court was told.

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It also heard that Buhk’s DNA was not found on the woman.

The woman’s mother testified her daughter was crying and shaking when she told her, “I think somebody had sex with me while I was asleep”.

The court was closed as the woman gave evidence.

The jury was taken to Kirra Surf Club on Tuesday.

Buhk did not give evidence in the trial but his defence barrister argued he and the woman were intimate but didn’t have sexual intercourse because he was too intoxicated.

Gold Coast man Connor James Buhk has been acquitted of rape. Credit: 7NEWS

On Friday, the jury found Buhk not guilty of rape.

His supporters cried, clapped and cheered loudly at the verdict.

He did not comment as he left court.

Buhk was suspended from Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) but is now free to reapply to join the organisation.

“The matter has been determined before the courts and we respect the decision of the judge and jury in this matter,” SLSQ said in a statement.

“Mr Buhk is free to reapply to join Surf Life Saving Queensland.”