Deception Bay man, Mathew George William Rivers, sentenced for sexually assault

A ‘trusted, uncle-like’ figure has been sentenced to jail for sexually assaulting a young woman in her sleep after he was called to her house for support.

A trusted family friend has left a woman “feeling sick” after he sexually assaulted her while she was struggling to come to terms with a recent trauma.

Mathew George William Rivers, 43, pleaded guilty in the Pine Rivers Magistrate Court today, to one count of sexual assault.

The 43-year-old cleaner responded to a call from the woman and went over to her house to console her on the night in question.

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The court heard the woman was suffering a trauma and asked Mr Rivers to be there for emotional support.

According to police, Mr Rivers snuck into the woman’s bed without consent that night and proceeded to sexually assault her.

The court heard the woman screamed out “don’t do this to Tammy”, referring to Mr Rivers’ long-term partner.

“She was frozen, she physically couldn’t move,” The police prosecutor said.

“The victim was extremely vulnerable and tried calling out for assistance from friends and family.”

When the woman managed to break free she called her mum, running down the street to escape Mr Rivers.

The court heard Mr River’s relationship with the victim was “uncle-like”.

“The defendant had touched her bare skin,” the prosecutor said.

“This breach of trust is very high, and although they weren't connected by blood, they had a family-like relationship”.

The prosecutor said the victim was left with high anxiety and feeling sick and dirty following the assault.

Mr Rivers’ lawyer, Andrew Ferrett, said his client regretted his actions.

“They had both been drinking. My client is remorseful,” Mr Ferrett said.

Mr Rivers was convicted and received 10 months imprisonment, with immediate parole release.