ACT Man Jailed for Sexual Offences: A Community Reminder of Consent, Safety and Survivor Strength
Notice: This article contains references to sexual violence. Please prioritise your wellbeing and access support where needed. Resources are provided at the end.
A Canberra man has been sentenced to more than nine years in prison for committing serious sexual offences against two people. We have reported on this story to renew the public conversation about consent, coercion, and the importance of trauma-informed justice.
This case came to light when an 18-year-old woman, who had been living with the offender, discovered footage of herself being assaulted while unconscious. She had no memory of the incident, only the aftereffects of pain and distress. Later, police identified a second victim, a man, who also reported being drugged and filmed without consent. Both individuals recounted being misled by the offender into believing they had somehow consented, in what the ACT Supreme Court described as deliberate psychological manipulation.
These events did not occur in isolation, they were enabled by power imbalances, manipulation, and a betrayal of trust.
Justice Belinda Baker described the acts as "degrading" and "a gross breach of trust," noting that neither victim was capable of consent. Importantly, she acknowledged the profound emotional and psychological harm caused to both survivors.
“These events are not just crimes—they represent profound violations of safety, bodily autonomy and human dignity. The courage shown by the survivors in seeking justice cannot be overstated.”
Throughout the legal proceedings, the court heard that the offender had a history of substance misuse and untreated mental health issues. While these factors were considered, they did not reduce the seriousness of the offences. The judge noted a high risk of reoffending, particularly given a diagnosed attraction to unconscious individuals, known as somnophilia. The man will be eligible for parole in 2028.
This story is shared to educate the public on issues often hidden from view:
The role of coercion and manipulation in non-consensual acts
The importance of consent being active, informed and conscious
The ongoing impact on survivors, who may carry trauma long after the legal system concludes its work
It is also a call to community: to create safer environments, to believe survivors, and to seek education around healthy relationships and boundaries.
Despite the deeply traumatic nature of their experiences, the survivors’ actions have helped ensure justice, prevent further harm, and break the silence around unconscious assault. Their strength deserves not just recognition, but amplification.
Looking for support in the ACT for Men who seek to change their behaviours?
EveryMan Australia
🔗 everyman.org.au Located in Canberra
EveryMan Australia is a leading ACT-based service offering specialist support for men, including those who:
Recognise they may be harming others (emotionally, physically, or sexually)
Struggle with anger, emotional regulation, or respectful relationship skills
Want to prevent abusive behaviour and build healthier patterns
Have been using violence or coercive control and want to take accountability
They offer behaviour change and support programs for men who use violence, helping them understand the impact of their actions and develop respectful relationship skills. Their intensive case management supports men facing complex challenges like homelessness, mental health issues, or justice involvement. They also run parenting and relationship programs that build emotional literacy, safe boundaries, and positive fathering practices.
Services like EveryMan Australia offer a non-judgmental but accountable space to recognise and change. Early intervention prevents future harm, especially when men are supported before the justice system becomes involved.
If you're worried about your behaviour or someone else's, support is available:
EveryMan Australia (Canberra): (02) 6230 6999
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 — 24/7 support and referrals
Call 1800RESPECT: and ask for help referring someone you're concerned about
To our readers: Discomfort is a natural response to stories like these. But discomfort can also be a doorway. A chance to ask how we respond to harm in our communities and how we prevent it. You are not powerless. You are part of the change. If you have been impacted by sexual violence, or need support understanding your own experience, confidential help is available:
1800RESPECT (24/7 National Helpline): 1800 737 732
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline: 1800 424 017
NSW Victims Services: 1800 633 063
Bravehearts (Support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
MARS Australia (Men affected by sexual abuse): (07) 3857 1222
VIC Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028
Child Protection Helpline: 132 111
