Albany man on trial over rape, axe threats against ex-girlfriend

An Albany man repeatedly choked and threatened his ex-girlfriend with an axe before allegedly laughing after tying her up and raping her in her own home, a court has heard.

The man is standing trial in the Albany District Court denying nine domestic violence charges from February to July, 2017, when he is accused of violently attacking his partner in their Spencer Park home.

Opening the State case today, prosecutor Lisa Boston told the jury the man was in a domestic relationship with the victim for eight months and began to become violent, jealous, intimidating and controlling after being suspicious of her acting unfaithfully.

The man faces nine charges including aggravated sexual penetration without consent, deprivation of liberty, four counts of endangering the life, health or safety of a person, and three counts of being armed in a way that may cause fear.

The court heard on four occasions, the man allegedly choked his then-partner, at times so she was unable to scream and lost consciousness, and she was twice threatened with an axe while pinned against the wall in her home.

Ms Boston said after having the edge of the axe aimed at her head, the victim was detained unlawfully with an extension cord around her legs in the bedroom and sexually penetrated without her consent, with the man on top of her.

It was then she said the accused began to laugh and said: “I just raped you. Do you love me even though I’m a monster?”

Ms Boston said the man was arrested after police arranged a set-up call with the victim where he was confronted about the incidents but denied the alleged violent attacks when interviewed by police.

Defence lawyer Bruno Illari said while domestic cases were unpleasant and there were no excuses if it occurred, the jury would have to decide if the complainant was telling the truth because the State case was “hanging” on her evidence.

The trial is set down for five days.