Canberra man jailed for sexual assault in which woman feared for her life
A man has been sentenced to five years in jail for sexually assaulting a woman in an underground car park in Canberra's north.
A Canberra man has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in an underground car park. The victim recounted her shock, fear, and hopelessness during the attack, noting she feared for her life as it became more violent. The assailant confronted her as she exited her vehicle, resisting his demands for money, food, or a hug.
When she fought back, he pushed her head into the ground three times before she struck him with her keys, forcing him to flee. The incident was captured on CCTV. Prosecutors emphasized the strength of the case, while Puia's defense highlighted his mental health struggles, including homelessness and substance abuse. However, the judge deemed the evidence insufficient for a mental impairment defense.
With a 25% discount for the guilty plea, Puia was given a two-year and nine-month non-parole period and is eligible for parole in August 2028.
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