Alleged ‘spiritual leader’ rapist charged with breaching bail within days of release

A Gold Coast man accused of drugging and raping women in spiritual ceremonies allegedly breached his bail less than a week after his release.

A MAN accused of drugging and raping women participating in spiritual ceremonies allegedly breached his bail order within days of being released from custody.

The 50-year-old, who cannot yet be named, was charged in January with nearly a dozen offences including rape, sexual assault, and stupefying in order to commit an indictable offence.

Police allege the Gold Coast man gave two women, aged 23 and 21, hallucinogenic drugs as part of a “spiritual healing ceremony” held at his apartment that month, causing them to lose consciousness.

He then allegedly raped and assaulted the 23-year-old, leaving her with neck and facial injuries.

It is alleged the man carried out another two similar ceremonies in September and October last year at Broadbeach, raping or sexually assaulting another two women aged in their 20s.

He first applied for bail in Southport Magistrates Court in the days following his arrest.

Defence lawyer Danielle Heable, of Dib and Associates, said at the time that the man believed himself to be a shaman or spiritual leader with divine powers “akin to Jesus or the prophet Muhammad”.

She said her client allegedly used ayahuasca, a plant-based hallucinogenic drug that alters a user’s mind state and perception of reality, during the ceremonies.

Ms Heable claimed the man and alleged victims’ drug use could impact evidence reliability.

Acting Magistrate Sarah Thompson refused the bail application, noting on the court file that the man was considered an unacceptable risk of reoffending and interfering with witnesses.

Court documents reveal the man successfully applied for bail in the Supreme Court weeks later, signing his bail undertaking on February 1.

He was released under numerous strict conditions including a curfew, a ban on alcohol and drugs, and no visitors to his home except those with his partner’s recorded permission.

The man then allegedly failed to report to police as required just days after his release on February 6.

He appeared in court in person earlier this month, where the breach of bail charge was adjourned to March 29.

His more serious charges will next be mentioned on March 14. He will remain on bail.