Appeal wins bigger sentence in rape case

A HOBART man who pleaded guilty to assault and rape has had his prison sentence almost doubled after an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In sentencing on May 31, Chief Justice Alan Blow described the attack as “a very serious case of violence by a man towards his partner, moti- vated by jealousy and anger” and sentenced him to two years and six months’ jail.

Director of Public Prosecutions Daryl Coates appealed the sentence on the grounds it was “manifestly inadequate.”

In the Court of Criminal Appeal last week, Justices Stephen Estcourt and Michael Brett and Acting Justice Pierre Slicer upheld the appeal.

Justice Estcourt said the crimes should have attracted a five-year prison sentence or more “in order to reflect the need for punishment, denunciation and retribution, to protect individuals from violent attacks at the hands of jealous and controlling partners, and to provide ... appropriate vindication”.

“Having watched the video of his attacks on the complainant so callously filmed and narrated by the respondent on his mobile phone, I am satisfied that his conduct was vicious . . . terrifying and dehumanising,” he said.

The original sentence was quashed and the man was ordered to serve 4½ years with a non-parole period of two years and three months.