Lawyers push for shorter sentence for rapist Ralph Carr

Lawyers for convicted rapist Ralph Carr are pushing for a reduced jail sentence during a pre-sentence hearing in Melbourne's County Court. The 66-year-old, who was found guilty of rape and sexual assault in March 2023, has been described as enduring a "living hell" in prison due to solitary confinement and negative publicity. His defence barrister, Dermot Dann KC, argued that Carr's mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, make a long sentence particularly detrimental.

Carr's psychiatrist, Jacqueline Rakov, criticised the quality of medical care he receives in custody. Despite the jury's verdict, Carr plans to appeal the decision and has requested a sentence stay, which could result in his release on bail if successful. The case stems from an incident on March 23, 2023, where the victim rejected Carr's sexual advances multiple times, but he proceeded to rape her.

Carr was finally unmasked by his legal team in August after a three-year suppression order was lifted.