A father accused of taking part in a gang rape at his Canberra unit says he told the alleged ringleader, "This girl has to go, man - it's not right, she's no animal".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Josefa Navunisinu Masivesi, 45, is on trial in the ACT Supreme Court along with co-accused Simon Vunilagi, 25-year-old Ratu Jone Pio Macanawai, and 22-year-old Isimeli Ilimeleki Natuwawa Vatanitawake.
A young woman says she met the group at Mooseheads in the early hours of November 3, 2019, and went back with them to Mr Masivesi's unit where they raped her as Fijian music drowned out her cries and screams.
On Tuesday, Mr Masivesi gave evidence in the trial. He said he didn't even kiss the alleged victim on the cheek, let alone rape her.
"I would have stopped the party straight away and sent [my co-accused] home [if I'd known she had wanted to leave]," he said.
The Canberra father has pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and one act of indecency, while Mr Macanawai has also denied two rape charges, and Mr Vatanitawake has pleaded not guilty to one.
Prosecutors say Mr Vunilagi, a former rugby union player, was the ringleader of the attack. He has pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of rape and one act of indecency.
Mr Masivesi told the court the alleged victim had eyes for Mr Vatanitawake all night - and he'd know, he said, being a man in his 40s.
He said he remembered that after they left the club, Mr Vunilagi asked him if it was OK for him to take the girl back to his unit. He said he agreed, and assumed the young woman and Mr Vunilagi would have sex.
Mr Masivesi said once at the unit, Mr Vunilagi and the young woman were in his bedroom with the door closed. He said he turned on Fijian music to cover up "sex sounds" for the neighbours' benefit, before the bedroom door opened and the young woman called for Mr Vatanitawake.
The alleged victim says the 22-year-old came in after an invitation by Mr Vunilagi, and Mr Macanawai followed. She says Mr Masivesi came into the bedroom and raped her too.
On Tuesday, Mr Masivesi said he only went into the bedroom once to get a charger.
READ MORE:
- 'I only asked for one of you': Former rugby player on what woman did in alleged gang rape
- Mooseheads bouncer booted 'rowdy' clubgoer who allegedly led gang rape, court told
- Barrister suggests engaged woman was out to 'pick up' before alleged gang rape
- 'You could have called Triple 0': Barrister tries to discredit alleged gang rape victim
- Fijian music drowned out woman's screams as she was gang raped in a Canberra unit, court told
He said he asked Mr Vunilagi, "What if this was your sister?" only because he wanted the young woman to leave, but prosecutor Skye Jerome said he told police Mr Vunilagi was "touching up" the alleged victim on a lounge.
Ms Jerome said: "You told police: 'I tried to stop him and he tried to push us away.'"
"I suggest that you are lying to this court to save yourself."
Under cross-examination by Mr Vunilagi's barrister Katrina Musgrove, Mr Masivesi agreed he only said something to Mr Vunilagi after the young woman walked from the room for the last time and he realised she wanted to leave.
Ms Musgove asked Mr Masivesi: "If you saw a young lady in trouble ... you would step in to assist her?"
He answered: "That's correct."
Barrister Steven Whybrow, who is representing Mr Masivesi, called to the witness stand a diplomat from the Fijian High Commission in Canberra, to serve as a character witness for his client.
The man attested to Mr Masivesi's reliable and loving nature, and said the 45-year-old would not cheat on his wife.
The trial continues.
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.
