A HIGH Court judge has emphasised that consuming alcohol, going clubbing, or socialising are not invitations for sexual activity, nor do they ever excuse or justify sexual assault.
Justice Aruna Aluthge made the remark on May 26 while sentencing a 37-year-old to eight years in prison for the rape of his 24-year-old neighbour.
Court records show that the victim and the man, on January 13, 2024, went socialising and drinking alcohol at local nightclubs. The victim joined under the impression that the man’s girlfriend would join them later, and because she trusted him as a close neighbour.
After returning home to their adjoining flats, the victim went to sleep. While she was asleep, the man entered her room without permission and raped her.
Justice Aluthge said the man badly misread the social context in which we live and now pays the price for the error of judgment.
“I can understand the hardship your family would face when you go to prison,” said the judge.
“Unfortunately, my hands are tight. You should have thought about the consequences before committing the offence.”
He will be eligible for parole after serving six years of his head sentence in prison.
