19 years for brutal rapist

Andrew Mathieson
A CORIO man will spend up to 19 years in jail for a violent sex attack that almost killed his victim in central Geelong.
Luke Benjamin Gill, 29, had pleaded guilty to one count of rape, robbery and possessing a prohibited firearm following the brutal attack in Little Malop Street in December, 2006.
Gill will not be eligible for parole until he is 43.
Geelong County Court heard Gill grabbed a woman from behind and walked her into a loading bay.
Police said he pushed the 22-year-old to the ground and violently penetrated her with a perfume bottle despite her pleas to stop.
The woman was later found lying on the ground bleeding profusely in Moorabool Street after attempting to wave down a taxi.
Doctors later told the court the woman had sustained serious injuries that required surgery.
She was close to death after being found in a state of shock.
The victim was fitted with a colostomy bag following the attack and was also unlikely to ever give birth, the court heard.
Gill stole $110 from the victim’s purse after the rape.
Judge Geoffrey Chettle accused Gill of telling “several lies” to police, including that he tried to help the woman after another man had put a gun to his ribs and told him to search her handbag.
In sentencing, Judge Chettle did not accept alcohol had severely affected Gill’s conduct.
Judge Chettle said the only remorse Gill had shown was for being caught.
Gill had only pleaded guilty after police confronted him with street video evidence, the judge said.
Gill had never provided an explanation for the brutal attack.
“Your actions were indescribable and incomprehensible,” Judge Chettle said.
“You attacked an innocent girl who was simply out on the town having a good time.
“You attacked her in a brutal and sadistic manner and have never given any explanation as to why.”
Judge Chettle sentenced Gill to 19 years prison with a non-parole period of 14 years despite glowing character references, including his girlfriend describing him as a “fantastic” man.
Judge Chettle gave Gill a 16-year sentence for the rape, with the rest of his term covering the robbery and firearm charges.