A woman, aged 25, was in Queenstown celebrating her engagement when she alleged she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver.
After a night marked by heavy drinking, Courtney Grace informed the police that she boarded an Uber alone to return to her lodging.
However, Grace, from Auckland, was ejected from the Uber for vomiting, and she claimed that the assault occurred after she entered a different Uber to continue her journey.
Recently, Grace was sentenced in the Manukau District Court to 10 months of supervision for making a false police report, as the alleged sexual assault was proven to be untrue.
Grace and her fiancé were on holiday in Queenstown in October 2025 to celebrate their engagement.
Grace’s defense counsel, DeAnne Nicoloso, explained that after a night of excessive drinking, Grace ordered an Uber alone to return to her accommodation.
According to the facts presented, Grace stated she vomited in the first Uber and was expelled. She then ordered a second ride and claimed the driver sexually assaulted her.
Following the incident, she contacted her sister-in-law, who then informed Grace’s fiancé.
It was the fiancé who alerted the police.
Grace provided both a verbal and written account to the police and was referred to the Central Lakes Family Health Services for a sexual health examination at Queenstown Medical Centre.
Police investigations, including CCTV footage and Uber data, disproved her claims.
Judge Sanjay Patel informed the court that Grace later expressed a desire to withdraw the complaint to avoid stress.
Upon returning to South Auckland, she was arrested but continued to insist on her complaint of being sexually assaulted.
“We’re dealing with a young woman who went to Queenstown for an engagement celebration. Her actions involved heavy drinking,” Nicoloso told the court.
“She acknowledged having a serious alcohol problem and is undergoing counseling.”
Her boss, as stated in her presentence report, described her as a diligent employee who often went beyond the call of duty to assist others.
“She is a good person with some issues, and this incident has been a significant event in her life,” Nicoloso commented.
“Her memories of the Queenstown trip and her engagement will not be pleasant.”
Judge Patel noted that Grace could have halted the process by being honest from the beginning of the police inquiry.
The report also highlighted that Grace did not appear remorseful.
“The report writer attributes her behavior to issues with alcohol, entitlement, and thinking about consequences,” Judge Patel said.
“You still do not accept the allegation is false and show no remorse,” he added.
Despite this, Judge Patel was inclined to overlook her apparent lack of remorse, as Nicoloso argued it was tied to her response to the incident.
Probation and police recommended community work and supervision, but Judge Patel decided community work was not suitable in this instance.
He instead imposed 10 months of supervision and counseling. Grace was also ordered to pay $213.87 to the police for the medical examination costs.
SEXUAL HARM
Where to get help:
If it’s an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you’ve ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email support@safetotalk.nz
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz
Alternatively contact your local police station – click here for a list.
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it’s not your fault.
