November 26th 2024.
A man, Joel Russo, who has been labeled a "significant danger to women" due to his heinous actions, is now attempting to lessen his time behind bars. In 2023, Russo was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to eight charges, including rape and sexual assault. His victim, a 26-year-old woman, was grabbed from behind while jogging along the Merri Creek Trail in Melbourne's inner north in December of 2019.
During the attack, Russo dragged the woman into the creek and held her head underwater. For two and a half hours, he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her before the woman was able to convince him to take her somewhere to warm up. They ended up at a nearby McDonald's, where the victim was able to call for help. The horrific incident sparked a Reclaim Our Merri Creek protest walk, where hundreds of Melbournians came out in support of the victim and to demand justice for what had happened.
It was later revealed that Russo had only been released from prison four months prior to the attack, having served time for the rape of a 16-year-old girl near public toilets. County Court Judge Liz Gaynor, who presided over the case, described Russo as an "extremely dangerous offender" whose threat to women cannot be underestimated. She handed him a minimum of 17 years in jail before he is eligible for parole.
Today, Russo appeared before Victoria's Court of Appeal via video link from the high-security unit of Barwon Prison, where his barrister argued that his sentence was "manifestly excessive." Paul Smallwood claimed that Judge Gaynor placed too much emphasis on community protection and should have taken Russo's personal circumstances into account. He explained that Russo's upbringing was marked by drug exposure in utero, his father's schizophrenia, and a neglectful home environment.
However, Justice Phillip Priest was quick to point out that despite Russo's difficult upbringing, he still poses a "very significant danger to women." He emphasized the importance of community protection and stated that Russo's crimes were among the worst he had encountered in his nearly fifty years as a judge. The Director of Public Prosecutions barrister, Diana Piekusis KC, echoed this sentiment, stating that it was hard to imagine much worse offending and that Russo's chances of rehabilitation and reform were bleak, given his quick reoffending.
Piekusis also highlighted the impact of Russo's actions on his victim, a young woman in the prime of her life with a bright future ahead of her. She described the attack as terrifying, humiliating, and protracted, with the victim fighting for her life. She also noted that every aspect of the victim's life had been affected by the traumatic event.
During his previous prison term, Russo had participated in a sex offender program, but Justice Priest stated that it did little to curb his dangerous tendencies, as he reoffended within months of his release. Smallwood argued that his client's complex disability needs were not properly addressed during the program, but the appeal judges reserved their decision until Thursday.
It is important to remember that support is available for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT. Let us all stand together in support of the victim and demand justice for her and all victims of such horrendous crimes.
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