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Eastern Cape High Court sentenced an attorney to two life prison terms and an effective 4 years for raping and assaulting his wife.
The 49-year-old attorney was sentenced to two life terms for raping his wife twice, in February 2012 and in May 2019. He was further sentenced to a total of 4 years for two counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm
Eastern Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Anelisa Ngcakani his application for leave to appeal his sentence was refused. “His application for bail pending his petition to the Supreme Court of Appeal for leave to appeal was also refused. Therefore, the attorney was taken into custody to commence serving his sentence. He was found guilty in November 2021.”
Judge Judith Roberson had rejected his defence that he lacked criminal capacity, caused by a combination of alcohol abuse and a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Judge Roberson concluded that his actions were focused and goal-directed.
“The man also admitted in court that he enjoyed watching violent pornographic material and added that some of the violent sexual acts he performed on his wife, were done with her consent. Judge Roberson, however, accepted the version of the victim, because it was corroborated with evidence. She rejected the man’s version of what had transpired.” The Judge stated that marital rape was an extremely serious offence.
