by Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Cranbourne man who serially groped 17 women at a nightclub over several nights has been spared jail.
David Maria Anthony Rayan, 35, pleaded guilty at the Victorian County Court to 17 counts of sexual assault and attempting to sexually assault an 18th at Revolver nightclub in Prahran.
On three nights in September and October 2023, Rayan inappropriately touched the strangers’ waists and/or buttocks.
Sentencing judge Peter Rozen noted that some of the acts were particularly brazen, while the victims were dancing or kissing another man.
On the last occasion, a venue manager monitoring Rayan on CCTV ordered security to escort him from the nightclub.
He ran away from security, escaping up Chapel Street before they could call police, the court was told.
Three victims told the court of the emotional impact such as feeling unsafe, mistrustful and avoiding social gatherings.
One told of moving interstate for family and friends’ support, and being unable to establish a romantic relationship since.
In sentencing on 5 May, Judge Rozen noted Rayan’s type of offending would be normally heard at a magistrates’ court.
The judge inferred the case was uplifted because of the sheer number of victims, brazen nature and the three separate nights of offending.
Rayan initially denied the sexual contact to police, even when shown CCTV of the incidents.
He also later claimed he was too drunk to remember what happened – a version dismissed as “illogical” and “unlikely” by Judge Rozen.
His assaults were deliberate, he knew what he was doing, and his moral culpability was “considerable”, the judge said.
Born in India, the separated father had lost his IT job during Covid and used to “drink to get drunk” for a period.
Since the charges, he was socially isolated and had sold his home.
Judge Rozen noted Rayan’s remorse but was concerned about his lack of insight into his offending. This was shown by Rayan’s reluctance to take part in further offender programs.
He had however taken part in men’s behaviour change programs, as well as continuing to undergo psychological counselling.
Rayan had no other criminal record, had not re-offended while on bail since late 2023 and had “fair” rehabilitation prospects. This offending over six weeks was “out of character”, the judge said.
Judge Rozen stated the purposes of specific deterrence and community protection could be achieved without jail.
A punitive community corrections order was in the interests of the community to support Rayan’s rehabilitation and further reduce his small risk of reoffending, he said.
Rayan was sentenced to a two-year supervised CCO, including 180 hours of unpaid work as well as alcohol and offender programs.
