Young man traumatised woman, former friend, in rape that he can’t remember

Content warning: A young man has discovered his fate in court after sexually assaulting a 54-year-old woman, telling her “come on mama” and asking her to “cuddle him like a mum”.

Aidan Michael Smith was sentenced for rape in the Supreme Court of Tasmania. Picture: Chris Kidd

A young man has been sentenced for digitally raping a 54-year-old woman, telling her “come on mama” and asking her to “cuddle him like a mum”.

Aidan Michael Smith, then 20, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court of Tasmania to one count of rape dating back to September 2021 against a woman who formerly considered him a friend.

In his comments on passing sentence, Justice Stephen Estcourt said on the day in question, the woman texted Smith asking him to repay $50 he owed her.

He arrived unexpectedly at her home with $4, in part payment of the debt.

“He was in an emotional and intoxicated state. He repeatedly made unusual comments to her such as ‘come on mama’,” Justice Estcourt said.

Smith asked for alcohol, and the woman obliged before trying to get him to leave.

However Smith “started telling her about his problems and began crying” before asking him to cuddle him like a mum.

He then tried to kiss the woman before raping her, causing her pain and bruising – before asking for his $4 back to get food.

The woman gave the money back to him “to get rid of him”.

Justice Estcourt said the woman was traumatised by the event, and was now nervy, jumpy, anxious and suffered from panic attacks.

“Clearly this crime has had a very serious effect on the complainant’s psychological wellbeing,” he said.

The judge said Smith had been drinking and “taking tablets” on the night of the assault, with limited memory of his actions.

He said Smith was “mortified” when charged and found it hard to accept the nature of the offence.

“The offending behaviour is out of character and the defendant has experienced deep and abiding shame for his act,” Justice Estcourt said.

Smith was given an 18-month home detention order and will be subject to electronic monitoring in Hobart.

He must also undergo a three-year community correction order, with 240 hours of community service.

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