‘Emotionally destroyed’: Felix Dodd sentenced for Darwin CBD sexual assault of sleeping woman
A man with a history of violence has been sentenced for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in Darwin’s CBD. With his chilling words to a pair of security guards read to the court.
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A “long-grassing” man with a history of violence has been sentenced for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in Darwin’s CBD.
On March 21, Felix Dodd appeared at the Supreme Court to learn his fate after pleading guilty to one count of committing an act of gross indecency without consent.
The court heard that on January 18, 2024, the victim and her partner had been drinking at the Tap Bar, on Mitchell Street, before leaving the venue “highly intoxicated”.
After the pair became separated, the victim walked along Cavenagh Street alone.
It was then that Dodd, who was 41 years-old at the time, approached the victim.
The court heard the pair spoke for a little bit before sitting down on the footpath outside an apartment complex.
Dodd momentarily left, only to return to the victim who was slumped over.
CCTV footage captured Dodd handling the victim’s unconscious body, as well as touching her groin area.
At one point, security guards approached the pair in an ATV vehicle to conduct a welfare check.
As they approached, Dodd repositioned himself and reassured the guards there was no problem.
“Yeah, she’s fine,” Dodd told the guards.
“I’m looking after her”.
When the security officers left the scene, Dodd undid his pants, laid down next to the victim and continued to assault her.
Two bystanders who were driving in the area observed the behaviour and called police, who attended a short time later.
In an attempt to avoid police, Dodd fled through the CBD.
Police arrested Dodd after finding him hiding in the storeroom of a Smith St building.
The court heard the victim had sustained several injuries in the assault, including abrasions and bruises.
Justice Jenny Blokland said the victim had been “emotionally destroyed” by the offending.
“It has been devastating for the victim,” she said.
“She says it has killed off her professional and personal dreams – I certainly hope she is getting the support she needs.”
Justice Blokland said Dodd behaved in a “appalling manner” towards the victim.
“The facts show prolonged and repeated actions, and it was to some degree calculated, given he took steps to encourage bystanders that nothing was wrong, and he could continue his actions unimpeded,” she said.
The court heard Dodd was originally from Kalkarindji and had been long-grassing in Stuart Park at the time of the offending.
Justice Blokland noted Dodd had 12 previous offences for violence, including a conviction of aggravated assault in 2023.
“Some of that history of violence is quite some time ago,” she said.
“Nevertheless, it is a common offence for him.”
Justice Blokland handed Dodd five years and six months imprisonment, commencing on January 18, 2024, with a non-parole period of four years.
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