Rapist Adam Freeman caught sexually assaulting homeless 13yo girl with disability after weekend of abuse
A convicted rapist spent a weekend sexually assaulting a homeless 13-year-old girl with a disability – including in public – before police caught him in the act.
Police & Courts
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A convicted rapist brought home a homeless, disabled, 13-year-old girl and spent a weekend sexually abusing her “brazenly” in public and private while consuming illicit substances, a court has heard.
On Tuesday, Adam Freeman, 47, faced District Court via video link before Judge Ian Press.
Freeman was arrested by SAPOL officers in the act of sexually abusing the girl inside a home after he had spent four days assaulting her.
“It needs to be highlighted that (the offending) only ceased because the defendant was caught having sexual intercourse with the child victim and was arrested and refused bail,” prosecutors told Judge Press.
The court heard assaults against the girl – who had run away from home and has an intellectual disability – included “brazen” attacks on public footpaths and outside an occupied home.
Freeman met the girl on January 12, 2023, at a train station and offered to let her stay with him and an older woman who was voluntarily housing him – for free – after his release from prison.
Prosecutors told the court Freeman supplied alcohol, cigarettes and drugs to the child during her time in his company, while he used meth, heroin, “various” pills and alcohol.
The Elizabeth East man pleaded guilty to one count of sexually abusing a child, one count of aggravated assault causing harm, and one count of dishonestly taking property without consent.
Freeman also committed a “brutal, sustained” attack on the “vulnerable” older woman – who was in her early 60s – and stole her wedding rings and phone, leaving her to call for help from her neighbours.
Counsel for Freeman asked Judge Press to consider sentencing Freeman to a shorter non-parole period so he could be supported on parole to receive drug and mental health treatment.
Prosecutors were opposed, saying Freeman had been granted that chance previously.
“(There is an absence of) any positive evidence demonstrative of his rehabilitation, despite previously being given a longer period on parole, by Her Honour Judge Chapman for the offence of rape,” prosecution said.
Defence counsel said Freeman was not “aware” the girl was under the age of 17, but Judge Press rejected that submission as the victim clearly “presented” herself as a child.
The court heard Freeman suffered hallucinations and had been using illicit substances since the age of 14, trading heroin for meth at the age of 18.
“Mr Freeman says the methamphetamine ‘turned him into the worst person in the world’, his words,” defence said.
The court heard Freeman was injured in prison in June, sustaining a broken wrist and jaw screws that became infected.
Defence said Freeman wished for the court to hear he was “sorry” and “remorseful” for his offending.
Judge Press adjourned the matter for sentencing in December.
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