A Nepalese man who attempted to rape a woman in Madeira has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Delivering the judgment at Funchal Criminal Court this afternoon, the judge said the prosecution had proved its case through the victim’s testimony, witness accounts and forensic evidence.
Three witnesses described finding the defendant on top of the woman with his trousers down. Blood containing his DNA was also found on the victim, while photographs discovered on his mobile phone showed his tongue bleeding after she bit him while defending herself.
The court concluded that the rape was not completed only because the woman fought back, biting the attacker’s tongue and screaming for help. Her cries attracted the attention of the witnesses, who intervened.
Although the sentence was reduced because the offence remained an attempt, the court imposed an immediate custodial sentence with no possibility of suspension. Time already spent in pre-trial detention will be deducted from the three-year term.
The defence may still appeal the judgment.
The case is also a stark reminder that an attacker cannot escape serious criminal responsibility simply because a woman successfully prevents him from completing the assault.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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