Eaglehawk Neck man accused of serious sex crimes: forcible abduction and rape

A Tasmanian man has been charged with forcible abduction, raping his victim while she slept, and pointing a rifle at her and pulling the trigger.

Eaglehawk man Damian Hastie appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court, charged with abduction and rape. Picture: Matt Thompson

An Eaglehawk Neck man is facing a number of serious crimes – including forcible abduction, rape under intimidation, rape while the victim was asleep, and pointing a rifle at the victim and pulling the trigger.

Damian Hastie, 49, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday via video link.

According to court documents, Mr Hastie has been accused of forcible abduction from Hobart on July 6 this year.

Tasmania Police allege he raped the victim the same day at Eaglehawk Neck, “intimidating the complainant by fear, threats” and his “overbearing nature” into having sexual intercourse.

Mr Hastie then allegedly raped the victim again while she was sleeping.

He has been charged with a fourth offence – aggravated assault – by allegedly pointing a rifle at the victim and pulling the trigger.

Mr Hastie has not yet entered a plea to any of the charges.

Magistrate Chris Webster heard most of the charges were indictable and would be dealt with by the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

Mr Hastie plans to apply for bail.

He was remanded in custody, and will next appear in court on August 24.

Follow @ambervwilson

Originally published as Eaglehawk Neck man accused of serious sex crimes: forcible abduction and rape