A former Cairns security guard and self-defence instructor has been sentenced to six years behind bars for the rape of an unconscious woman in a suburban home.
Attack on a Vulnerable Victim
In the Cairns District Court, Judge Anthony Rafter detailed the disturbing events of October 2022. The court heard that the 41-year-old offender, a man who worked as a bouncer and taught self-defence, was at a social gathering when he sexually assaulted a woman who was heavily intoxicated and unconscious.
The victim had been drinking and fell asleep on a couch. The man, taking advantage of her vulnerable state, carried out the assault while she was completely unaware and unable to consent or resist. The attack only ceased when another person at the gathering entered the room and intervened.
A Betrayal of Trust and Position
Judge Rafter emphasised the severe breach of trust and the offender's failure in his duty of care. The man was employed as a crowd controller, a role specifically tasked with protecting the safety and security of others. His additional role as a self-defence teacher made the crime a profound betrayal.
"Your conduct involved a gross breach of trust," Judge Rafter stated during sentencing. He noted the significant psychological harm inflicted on the victim, who submitted a powerful impact statement to the court detailing the ongoing trauma from the assault.
The offender, whose name was suppressed by the court to protect the victim's identity, was found guilty after a trial. He showed no remorse for his actions, a factor the judge took into account.
Sentence and Consequences
The court handed down a head sentence of six years imprisonment. The man must serve at least four years before being eligible for parole. Upon his eventual release, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Judge Rafter highlighted the need for the sentence to denounce the crime and deter others. He described the offence as a serious example of its kind, given the victim's total vulnerability and the offender's roles which demanded higher standards of behaviour.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral consequences of sexual violence, particularly against those who are incapacitated and unable to defend themselves.
