Club X attack: Begonet Ayaliew on parole for rape when he strangled, sexually assaulted woman
A convicted rapist, out of jail less than three months, claims he was “aroused” when he strangled and sexually assaulted a woman in a sickening attack at a city adult venue.
North West
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A woman-basher thug out of prison less than three months for raping two women, savagely bashed and sexually assaulted a woman at a city venue because he was “aroused”, a court has heard.
Begonet Ayaliew was the subject of a statewide manhunt after the sickening attack at the Elizabeth St Club X on May 6, 2018.
Ayaliew paid an adult entertainer for a lap dance then sexually assaulted her.
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The enraged rapist then launched an “assault of duration” after his victim stopped dancing.
The victim said the attack of “incredible violence” where Ayaliew struck her about 10 times to the head and face lasted “five to 10 minutes” while he blocked the exit.
At one stage, Ayaliew punched his victim to the ground and struck her again when she tried to get up.
The victim said Ayaliew strangled her until she lost consciousness.
He fled the venue after another person raised the alarm.
Police arrested Ayaliew on May 11 and his parole was revoked.
Ayaliew, 19, faced a plea hearing in the County Court on November 21 after he pleaded guilty tp sexual assault and intentionally cause injury.
His defence counsel submitted Ayaliew was “sexually aroused” and his “behaviour was encouraged by the circumstances”.
“One can see how he got aroused and did what he did,” his lawyer said.
However, Judge Paul Lacava said Ayaliew “broke the contract”.
“It’s one thing to be sexually aroused, it’s another thing to touch … (and) assault,” Judge Lacava said.
“I think the (attack) was only limited because she was able to get out of the room.
“It was a pretty ugly situation.”
Ayaliew’s lawyer also submitted his client was close to release as he had spent 510 days as pre-sentence detention, but Judge Lacava said that was a “bridge too far”.
“Having regard to his prior convictions and the nature of this offending,” Judge Lacava said.
“One should also have regard to the protection of the public.”
Judge Lacava also highlighted the seriousness of the sexual assault.
“I’m not saying it’s one of the worst but it’s a very serious example,” he said.
“It wasn’t just a pinch on the backside.
“It’s beyond that … in a sexual setting (the victim) is just as entitled to be protected as anyone else.”
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A psychologist said Ayaliew was a “really high” risk of sexual reoffending.
Ayaliew will be sentenced at a later date.
The court heard Ayaliew was on parole for “violent sexual offending” against two women when he attacked his latest victim.
He was convicted in the County Court in August 2017 of four charges of rape and intentionally cause injury.