The screams of a young woman held hostage and gang raped at a Canberra unit were nearly drowned out by Fijian music before she made a daring escape, prosecutors say.
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An ACT Supreme Court trial started on Tuesday for the woman's alleged attackers: former rugby union player Simon Vunilagi, 45-year-old Josefa Navunisinu Masivesi, 22-year-old Isimeli Ilimeleki Natuwawa Vatanitawake, and 25-year-old Ratu Jone Pio Macanawai.
In prosecutor Skye Jerome's opening remarks, she said the four men met the young woman at Mooseheads in Canberra city in the early hours of November 3 last year.
She said the woman was heavily intoxicated when she approached the group and quickly became friendly with Mr Vunilagi - the man who later dragged her to the taxi rank, sat next to her on the way to Mr Masivesi's Northbourne Avenue unit, and repeatedly raped her in a messy bedroom.
Ms Jerome said while at the club, the young woman kissed Mr Vunilagi, but became upset after he struck out at another clubgoer while she was still in his grasp.
She said the young woman was later consoled by Mr Vatanitawake - who she also kissed - but ultimately ended up back in Mr Vunilagi's clutches when he grabbed her on her way out.
Ms Jerome said the young woman jumped in a taxi with three of the men - all except Mr Masivesi, who followed in another cab - but remembered telling the driver she was scared.
The alleged victim said in an interview with police, "I just remember being scared and intimidated by this tall guy", Mr Vunilagi.
The young woman said in the interview that back at the unit, the former rugby union player was the first of the group to rape her.
Mr Vunilagi - who is currently on bail - has pleaded not guilty to a swathe of rape charges and one act of indecency charge, while Mr Vatanitawake has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape. Mr Masivesi and Mr Macanawai have denied two rape counts each, but Mr Masivesi has pleaded not guilty to an additional act of indecency charge.
The alleged victim said after Mr Vunilagi seemed "turned off" by her crying as he raped her, he invited Mr Vatanitawake into the bedroom, who also raped her.
She said, "When they finished, I thought it was finished - I thought it was over", but the two other men also took turns raping her.
Ms Jerome said that when the young woman was crying and screaming as she was being raped, Fijian music in the background was turned up. She said the young woman begged for Mr Vunilagi to stop.
The alleged victim said that at one point during the hours-long ordeal at the Northbourne Avenue unit, Mr Vunilagi digitally penetrated her in front of the other men in the lounge room.
"Everyone was still drinking and the laughing and the music was still loud," the young woman said.
"I just remember being in so much pain and just crying."
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Ms Jerome said Mr Vunilagi told the woman she wasn't leaving at least three times.
The young woman said when Mr Masivesi was in the bedroom, she shoved him out the way and he didn't come after her, but Mr Vunilagi was "in her face" at the residence's exit.
She said she powerwalked out the door and down the driveway, where a stranger suggested she call the police, and later helped her call a cab.
The trial has been set down for three weeks.
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
