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Mooseheads: Simon Vunilagi allegedly part of gang rape of woman

An alleged gang rape victim says she whispered to a cab driver that she was ‘scared’ of the men, one a top local rugby union player, she had met at Mooseheads nightclub.

Alleged gang rape ringleader Simon Vunilagi leaves the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday. Picture: Craig Dunlop
Alleged gang rape ringleader Simon Vunilagi leaves the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday. Picture: Craig Dunlop

Four Fijian men allegedly gang raped a woman at a dingy unit in Canberra’s north after a night of heavy drinking at the city’s notorious Mooseheads nightclub, a court has heard.

The ACT Supreme Court was told on Tuesday that at one stage during the ordeal, the woman snuck off to the bathroom and tried to text a friend, writing: “please help me”.

The message never got through.

Alleged ringleader and top local rugby union player Simon Vunilagi and co-accused Josefa Masivesi, Isimela Vatanitawake and Ratu Macanawai have each pleaded not guilty to a string of charges stemming from their alleged roles in the gang rape.

Crown Prosecutor Skye Jerome told the ACT Supreme Court the woman had never met any of the men before.

Security camera footage played in court showed her speaking with and kissing Vunilagi until closing time at Mooseheads nightclub on November 3 last year.

Canberra Nightclub Mooseheads.
Canberra Nightclub Mooseheads.
Simon Vunilagi (right) leaves the ACT Supreme Court while supporters unleash a tirade of abuse the threats of violence. Picture: Craig Dunlop
Simon Vunilagi (right) leaves the ACT Supreme Court while supporters unleash a tirade of abuse the threats of violence. Picture: Craig Dunlop

Ms Jerome said the woman remembers telling the taxi driver “in a soft voice” that she was scared going to Masivesi’s unit on Northbourne Ave, Downer, but doesn’t know why she didn’t get out on the way.

The taxi arrived at the unit just after 5am, where Vunilagi allegedly directed her into the bedroom.

“She recalls telling Mr Vunilagi that she didn’t want to do anything,” she said.

It is alleged Vunilagi ripped the woman’s clothes off, forced her to perform oral sex and raped her.

When her resistance and crying turned Vunilagi off, it is alleged he called Vatanitawake into the room.

The woman remembers saying “you did what you wanted to do, I’m going”, to which Vunilagi allegedly responded “no, you’re not” and ordered her to perform oral sex on Vatanitawake, the court heard.

Macanawai also allegedly raped the woman.

When she began crying, Ms Jerome said the Fijian music the men were playing was turned up louder.

Masivesi is accused of coming into the room next, telling the other men to leave and saying to the woman “it’s OK, you’re safe with me” before also raping her.

In a police interview played in court on Tuesday, the woman said the men all seemed scared of Vunilagi.

The trial, before Chief Justice Helen Murrell, sitting without a jury, continues.

Simon Vunilagi (inset) has been accused of taking part in the gang rape of a woman after a night at Mooseheads in Canberra.
Simon Vunilagi (inset) has been accused of taking part in the gang rape of a woman after a night at Mooseheads in Canberra.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/canberra-star/mooseheads-gang-rape-simon-vunilagi-josefa-masivesi-isimela-vatanitawake-and-ratu-macanawai-face-court/news-story/a74ae258c7c28b6ea31ddab862ac2f12