Connor Pappin pulls knife on mother and kids in disturbing Mildura shopping centre sexual assault

A detestable Mildura deviant pulled a knife on a mother who was changing her five month old daughter, threatening to “stab” her in a horrifying incident.

Connor Pappin sexually assaulted a mum while she changed her child’s nappy while brandishing a knife at a Mildura shopping centre. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

A Mildura grub was brandishing a knife when he sexually assaulted a mother while she was changing her baby’s nappy at a busy shopping centre.

Connor Pappin, 22, fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced on charges of sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 16 and abduction or detention for a sexual purpose.

Both Pappin and the victim were supported heavily in court by family members.

In October 2023, Pappin entered a baby changing facility at a Mildura shopping centre, brandished a pocket knife at his victim and told her, “if you don’t show me your b**bs, I am going to stab you”.

The victim was changing her five-month-old’s nappy when the incident occurred.

Pappin told the mother of two “If you don’t show me your b**bs, I am going to stab you” during the sexual assault. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

A report submitted to the court revealed Pappin, who receives a disability support pension, would be extra vulnerable behind bars due to his mental illness.

It was previously revealed in court that after assessment by multiple forensic psychologists, Pappin did not meet the criteria for an intellectual disability but could still access some services.

Magistrate Rose Falla ordered Pappin be further assessment prior to sentencing, resulting in the matter being adjourned in December last year.

Pappin’s lawyer, Sal Catherine, argued a community corrections order, along with Pappin’s 53 days pre-sentence detention, would be a harsh enough penalty for Pappin’s offending.

This was rebuked by Leading Senior Constable Kristen Simm, who said a combination sentence was required because of the seriousness of the crimes committed by Pappin.

Pappin was sentenced to eight months behind bars by Magistrate Rose Falla and will be on the sex offenders registry for eight years.

Ultimately, Ms Falla agreed with the prosecution, saying, “community protection, in my mind, is a significant sentencing factor.”

“You were brandishing a knife, making demands of her (making her feel) compromised,” Ms Fall said.

Pappin was given an eight-month sentence and an 18 month community corrections order.

Members of Pappin’s family, who were there to support him in court, burst into tears when the sentence was read out.

With time served, Pappin can expect to be released in August.

He will be placed on the sex offenders’ registry for eight years.