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Warning: Graphic and distressing content
A violent serial rapist who dragged a woman into a creek in Melbourne’s inner north and tried to drown her before subjecting her to hours of horrific sexual abuse has been jailed for more than two decades.
Joel Russo, 29, grabbed the woman from behind and abducted her as she was jogging along the Merri Creek Trail in December 2019.
He dragged her down an embankment towards the creek, pushed her head under the surface twice, and repeatedly raped her in the creek and then in some nearby bushes.
“This was a horrendous sexual attack,” Judge Liz Gaynor told the County Court on Tuesday.
“It was predatory, persistent, highly violent, terrifying and prolonged.”
Russo pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, sexually touching without consent, and reckless conduct in danger of causing serious injury.
Judge Gaynor sentenced him to up to 20 years and four months in prison.
He must serve a minimum of 17 years before he can apply for parole.
She said there was a high risk Russo could re-offend, as four months before committing the 2019 rape he had been released from prison after serving time for another sexual attack on a 16-year-old girl near a public toilet block.
“It is clear you are an extremely dangerous offender,” Judge Gaynor said.
“The objective threat you present to women generally cannot be underestimated.”
He has already served 3½ years of his sentence and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
AAP
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
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