Alleged rapist and fraudster Nektario Zafiratos begs for freedom in the County Court
A Hawthorn man who allegedly raped and assaulted four women he met online has asked to be allowed back into the community.
Melbourne City
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A Hawthorn man facing rape and sexual assault charges after allegedly conning then raping four women he met online has begged a court for freedom.
Nektario Zafiratos, 51, was arrested in April last year after being slapped with 10 charges of rape, four charges of sexual touching without consent and five charges of procuring a sexual act by fraud.
Fronting the County Court from custody on April 23, Mr Zafiratos begged to be released back into the community.
In the part heard bail application Mr Zafiratos’ defence team entered numerous documents, including a report from a Greek psychiatric clinic in Athens.
Judge David Sexton heard the summary of alleged offending regarding four female complainants, spanning from 2021 to 2023.
The court heard Mr Zafiratos allegedly met all four women through the online platform Seeking Arrangements, allegedly organising to meet with them on the premise that they would be paid for their time.
Police have alleged Mr Zafiratos agreed to pay the four women thousands of dollars for companionship and sex, even offering to pay one alleged victim’s student debt.
The court heard Mr Zafiratos allegedly raped three of the four complainants, one whom he allegedly promised to remain “platonic” with.
He allegedly promised to purchase a $12,000 Rolex for one complainant and a luxury bag for another.
Police allege Mr Zafiratos raped two of the complainants even after they told him to stop.
Senior Constable Jordan Frizell said police opposed any bail application made by Mr Zafiratos.
“Police would say the address he has put forward is not a suitable address,’ he said.
“The complainants are also all independently opposed to him being released. To put it in a word, they are terrified.”
Mr Zafiratos will return to court on May 28 for the second part of his bail application at 10.30am.
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