TAS: Video rapist sentenced to six years' jail

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2004
TAS: Video rapist sentenced to six years' jail

By Libby Sutherland

HOBART, Aug 6 AAP - A Tasmanian man who videotaped himself repeatedly raping an unconscious
woman was today sentenced to six years' jail.

The Tasmanian Supreme Court was told Noel Gabiola Giray, a 37-year-old pizza cook from
Hobart's northern suburbs, committed the "horrendous crimes" in the early hours of February
28 this year.

Justice Peter Underwood said his 19-year-old victim had been nightclubbing with friends
and was so intoxicated she could not stand without assistance.

He said there was also considerable reason to suppose her drink had been spiked before
she encountered Giray, who pleaded guilty earlier this week to one count of aggravated
assault, five counts of aggravated sexual assault, and seven counts of rape.

The court was told Giray first met the young woman after she and a male friend had
been thrown out of a taxi because she had vomited.

He offered the pair a lift, but drove off with the complainant when the other man got out.

Justice Underwood said Giray had carried her up the stairs to his flat and laid her
on a bed, recording the ensuing attack with a video camera.

"She was completely unresponsive, not reacting to touch or sound," he said.

"Over the next hour, while she remained in that state, you repeatedly violated her body."

"This criminal episode constituted an appalling sexual attack upon an unconscious young
woman whom you had not seen until a matter of minutes earlier.

"The gross violation of her person and the degradation of her dignity was recorded
on film by you for later sexual titillation."

Before sentencing, Giray presented a handwritten letter to the court expressing his
remorse and apologising to his victim and all others affected by his crime.

He said he was "forever shameful" and hoped to "wake up from this nightmare".

Justice Underwood accepted Giray was ashamed and remorseful, but said little could
be said by way of mitigation for the commission of the horrendous crimes, which had severely
affected the victim.

Giray will be eligible for parole after serving four years of his sentence.

AAP las/it/de

KEYWORD: GIRAY

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