Lewi Jimi Nirigi jailed after pleading guilty to raping two women at Surfers Paradise

A predator was on bail after violently raping a homeless woman when he attacked a second victim in Surfers Paradise, leaving both fearing for their lives. WARNING: Distressing

A serial rapist has been jailed for more than a decade for his brutal attacks on two women in public areas of Surfers Paradise, during which both victims feared they would be killed.

Lewi Jimi Nirigi first targeted a homeless woman in February, 2021, approaching her with what she believed to be a pocket knife in his hand.

Southport District Court was told Nirigi put his hands around the woman’s throat and threatened her, forcing himself on her and demanding she perform sex acts as she struggled against him and screamed for help.

Fearing for her life, the woman complied before she was eventually able to flee.

Nirigi was soon charged and released on bail.

It was only hours after he was arrested for breaching a condition of his bail in May, 2021 that the now-24-year-old attacked his second victim, who was out collecting bottles to recycle early that morning.

Nirigi again grabbed the woman by the throat, squeezing it as she fought to escape until she lost consciousness. She was half-awake and “frozen” as Nirigi raped her, it was heard.

The court was told the woman later recalled being certain she was about to die, with her last thoughts before losing consciousness being goodbyes to her family.

People nearby heard the woman’s screams, running to her aid and calling triple-0.

Both victims suffered injuries. Nirigi was again arrested and this time held in custody.

Lewi Jimi Nirigi will spend years behind bars after violently raping two women on the Gold Coast. Picture: iStock

Victim impact statements from both women were read in court, with the first describing her deep fear and distrust of men and ongoing sleeplessness and anxiety.

Nirigi’s second victim said the predator’s “evil act” was “the tragedy of her life” and that her attacker “had no right to live in outdoor society”.

Defence barrister Nick McGhee, instructed by Allen & Searing Criminal Lawyers, said his client’s offending was fuelled by a combination of social isolation, alcohol abuse, and consuming “excessive” amounts of pornography.

Nirigi – from Indonesia and completing much of his education in Australia – had since spoken with several psychiatrists to determine the role of any mental health concerns.

Judge Deborah Holliday said it was submitted the 24-year-old accepted the seriousness of his offending, which had cost him a promising future and would now almost inevitably see him deported.

Judge Holliday said Nirigi was facing significant stressors at the time and had already spent years in jail, including time in a protection unit to shield him from other inmates.

“You raped two women in two separate attacks,” she said.

“Those complainants were doing no more than going about their daily lives in public – the rapes were violent and persistent.”

Nirigi pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, several counts of assault, and breaching bail.

He was sentenced to 15 years’ jail and must serve at least 80 per cent of the term due to a serious violent offence declaration.

Originally published as Lewi Jimi Nirigi jailed after pleading guilty to raping two women at Surfers Paradise