Dapto Man Bashes Male Escort in Post-Breakup Outburst During Sensual Massage
A Dapto man who brutally assaulted and robbed a male escort during a sensual massage has claimed the unprovoked attack stemmed from a misunderstanding following a recent breakup. Paul Hasiuk, 27, pleaded guilty in Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and stealing.
Violent Incident Unfolds in Figtree Hotel
During the early hours of October 25 last year, Hasiuk booked an Uber to Gibson Road in Figtree, directly across from the Solomon Hotel, where he had an appointment with a male escort. Upon arrival, he paid the victim $250 for a sensual massage. As the massage began, Hasiuk rolled onto his back before suddenly getting up and punching the victim in the face multiple times.
The victim, covering his face, begged Hasiuk to stop. Hasiuk then left the room, taking the victim's suitcase, which contained $2500 in cash from earlier appointments. He fled the scene via an Uber to his home in Dapto.
Police Investigation and Arrest
Police obtained CCTV footage and visited Hasiuk's home the following month. Initially, Hasiuk admitted to meeting the victim but denied entering the room, claiming he had changed his mind. He also denied assaulting the victim or stealing the suitcase. However, he was subsequently arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station.
Court Proceedings and Defence Arguments
In court, defence lawyer Harry Lollback argued that Hasiuk, described as a heterosexual male, was caught in a misunderstanding after breaking up with his long-term girlfriend. Lollback stated the attack was out of character, portraying Hasiuk as a hard-working family man and charitable labourer with aspirations to become a paramedic. He claimed Hasiuk took the suitcase in an attempt to retrieve his $250 payment.
Prosecution Condemns Attack
The prosecution strongly condemned the assault, labeling it a violent assault with sexual connotations. Sergeant Blair McGee argued that the court could not accept Hasiuk's claim of a mistake, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the attack.
Magistrate's Ruling and Sentencing
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie sided with the prosecution, noting that Hasiuk had a clear choice to leave the booking without resorting to violence. She stated, Whatever it was you were expecting, when that person opened the door, it should have been clear. Unable to overlook Hasiuk's significant aggression, Magistrate Beattie sentenced him to a 12-month intensive correction order, a community-based jail term, and ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service work.
This case highlights the severe consequences of violent outbursts, with the court emphasizing personal responsibility over emotional excuses.
