Patrick Akauola was jailed for the rape of a woman without her consent and for taking multiple explicit videos and pictures without her consent.
Patrick Akauola was jailed for the rape of a woman without her consent and for taking multiple explicit videos and pictures without her consent.
Warning: Graphic
A former semi-professional rugby league player publicly flaunted an explicit picture of a woman after she insulted him for having a "small penis", an Australian court has been told.
But that was only the start of a pattern of vile behaviour from Patrick Akauola.
Months later, the same woman – who cannot be named for legal reasons – discovered a trove of explicit videos and photos stored on his phone, some depicting sexual violations acted on her in her sleep.
Akauola, 24, sat quietly in Brisbane District Court on Thursday as he learnt his fate for the shocking recordings.
His family members watched as Akauola pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, observations or recordings in breach of privacy and distributing prohibited visual recordings.
The court was told Akauola and the woman got into an argument while on a night out in November 2018.
Akauola took offence after she insulted him for having a "small penis".
In response, crown prosecutor Siobhan Harrison said Akauola publicly showed off a naked photo of the woman.
Harrison said the woman recognised it as a screenshot of a Snapchat video shared between the pair, but she did not give him permission to share it with anyone else.
The woman slapped Akauola and left in a taxi.
In October 2019, the woman discovered multiple explicit videos and photos stored on Akauola's phone.
Harrison said the files were taken between January and October 2019 but exact dates could not be determined.
Some of the files depicted Akauola inserting his finger into the woman's anus as she slept, filming her naked in the shower and a photo of her performing oral sex.
The woman – who cannot be named for legal reasons – did not consent to any of the acts.
"She continues to suffer significant anxiety and trauma," Judge Katherine McGinness said.
She took into account the support of Akauola's family members, his good work history and his attempts to treat longstanding mental health issues.
Defence lawyer Karl Brandon said Akauola had made full admissions to the offending, which were borne out of immaturity.
The court was told Akauola flaunted an explicit picture of the woman to a family member and friend after he took offence to an insult about his 'small penis' in November 2018.
Brandon said his client understood the serious breach of trust that had occurred, saying Akauola was dealing with issues of jealousy and insecurity.
The court was told a now "remorseful" Akauola was apologetic when confronted by the woman.
He said he was drunk and being "immature" during the filmed acts and was only "f---ing around" when filming her in the shower.
Judge McGinness said Akauola's excuses were "not acceptable" when imposing a jail term of two years and nine months.
Akauola's sentence will be suspended after serving six months. He also received a two-year probation order.
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111. If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone contact the Safe to Talk confidential crisis helpline on: • Text 4334 and they will respond • Email support@safetotalk.nz • Visit https://safetotalk.nz/contact-us/ for an online chat Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list. If you have been abused, remember it's not your fault.
