Rape-Torture Perpetrator Fails to Overturn Life Sentences

A man who inflicted horrific abuse on a woman for weeks has had his appeal rejected. He argued that he deserved reduced sentences for actions taken to prevent his victim’s death. The court found his expressions of remorse unconvincing.

Appeals Court Weighs the Case

Nicholas John Crilley, sentenced to seven life sentences in 2020 in Queensland, Australia, pleaded guilty to 62 charges. These included rape, torture, and grievous bodily harm. His brutal treatment of the 22-year-old victim in 2017 left her permanently disfigured.

Following a city chase that involved ramming police cars and carjacking, Crilley was apprehended just eight days after committing these offenses.

The justices on the Court of Appeal expressed concerns about whether Crilley possessed genuine remorse.

“Even when he rings the ambulance, he does not say this is someone who for 23 days has been burned and abused and starved … and she is likely to die,”

— Justice Thomas Bradley

Arguments Against Reduced Sentence

Justice David Boddice noted the existence of statements suggesting Crilley sought to prolong his victim’s suffering. He made his victim disfigured so she would not be attractive to other men. He wanted to maim her for life.

Crilley’s attorney, Craig Eberhardt, admitted the severity of his client’s crimes. He explained that his client’s actions, such as calling an ambulance, not letting the victim die, pleading guilty, and showing remorse, are why a complaint about the sentence wasn’t made.

There was also evidence indicating that Crilley believed his victim’s injuries were so severe that she wouldn’t be able to testify against him. The prosecution argued that Crilley’s guilty plea was considered. However, the nature of his offenses justified the life imprisonment sentence.

The Court’s Decision

The justices reserved their final judgment. The Court of Appeal President Debra Mullins acknowledged the difficulty of the case for the legal teams. According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, approximately 8% of all sexual assault cases lead to a conviction (AIC 2023).

The ruling underscores the severity of Crilley’s actions. The court found that his claim of mitigating circumstances did not outweigh the gravity of his crimes.