Convicted rapist sentenced to nine years jail

A man found guilty of abducting and raping a woman in Wellington was today sentenced to nine years in jail.

Sonny Crawford, 47, appeared in Wellington District Court for sentence on one count of abduction, two counts of sexual violation by unlawful connection and two counts of rape, all against the same complainant.

Crown prosecutor Ken Stone told the court Crawford had been offending for more than 30 years.

He was continually appearing before the court every year, sometimes several times a year, Mr Stone said.

There were no mitigating features for consideration, he said.

Defence lawyer Rob Stevens said at the time of his arrest Crawford had been largely getting his life in order. He had gained more regular access to his young son and had established a flat and a job.

"After a lengthy period of uncertainty he was making some progress in his life."

Outlining the facts, Judge Peter Butler said the complainant had travelled from the Wairarapa to Wellington for an evening out.

She was a former prostitute and decided to earn money for Christmas by reverting to her former occupation.

She got into a car with four men, but said she would never have done so if she had known Crawford was one of the occupants.

She and Crawford went to an occupied flat and she claimed that once inside, she was not allowed to leave.

Crawford then engaged in sexual activity for the rest of the night, Judge Butler said.

At trial, Crawford's lawyer had made a sustained and vigorous attack on the complainant's character, Judge Butler said.

Crawford had initially faced 10 charges at trial, but was discharged on half of these.

The jury's deliberations were prolonged and they spent the night in a hotel, unable to reach a verdict by the end of the day.

Judge Butler said a forensic examination of the flat showed no evidence of semen, vomit or urine. A medical examination of the complainant after the offending did not show signs entirely consistent with an attack. Judge Butler said the complainant was a former drug addict on the methadone programme. She had previous convictions for dishonesty.

Judge Butler said to Crawford: "Despite those matters the jury believed her account and convicted you."

The sustained nature of the event, the repeat offending during that period and Crawford's previous history of offending were all aggravating features, he said.

- NZPA