A man who twice hit a random woman over the head with a hammer then raped her Googled “violent porn” and instructions on how to knock a person out, a court has been told.
Wayne Walsh, 37, pleaded guilty to aggravated causing harm with intent, rape and indecent assault over the incident that happened at about 6.30am on October 11, 2019.
The victim, who was aged 19 at the time, was walking along the same route she took for her morning stroll in Munno Para when she was attacked by the complete stranger.
The District Court of South Australia on Friday was told the victim and the defendant first exchanged pleasantries when they crossed paths and spoke throughout the entire interaction.
The court was told the victim said: “If you want sex, just go. Take it” and anal sex was discussed to which she replied: “No, I’m not doxjmtzywing that without any lube”.
Walsh later said he didn’t know he did anything wrong at the time.
Alex Rathbone, for the prosecution, argued the act was premeditated as Walsh’s online search history included “violent porn”, searches of rape and “19 year old gets knocked”.
She said the victim was trying to keep the defendant cooperative so she could escape with her life.
“(The victim) was thinking in the event of her death there would be DNA evidence … she was thinking ‘if I die here today’,” the prosecutor said.
“It’s quite clear this woman was bargaining and in a fight for her life.
“She had blood in her hair and her mouth … she may well have bargained for some sexual activity.
“It has affected her significantly and a heavy head sentence is warranted.
“Mr Walsh’s plan, as loose as it may have been, was to carry out this fantasy he has built up in his mind.”
Defence lawyer Stacey Carter said her meth addicted client’s perception of reality was distorted because he was high on “a cocktail of drugs”, impacting his ability to make clear decisions.
She said her client’s actions weren't premeditated despite his browser history and that he told a psychologist some searches were singled out to paint a specific picture of himself.
“When a person is under the influence of methamphetamines, their concept of what’s occurring is very different to the person who is not,” she said.
“We’re not talking about a man who was completely lucid and made structured decisions with a lucid mind. There is the complicating factor of his cocktail of methamphetamine, cannabis and seroquel.
“It doesn't reflect his lack of remorse.
“That’s an explanation of his perception of reality at the time of the offence … He is absolutely appalled with himself.”
Ms Carter also argued Walsh’s non-parole period should be lengthy because he was amenable and open to treatments.
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The court was told it was “out of character” for Walsh to be involved in such a violent act as he had no relevant prior criminal history.
“If his mental health and drug and alcohol aspect is managed, his risk factor (to reoffend) is substantially lower.
“He’s trying to make sense of his own actions and reconcile his acts under the influence to who he is when he’s sober.”
Judge Anthony Allen, who described the act as “every woman’s worst nightmare” said other Google searches that Walsh made were irrelevant.
“What’s relevant is the fact that he has offered an explanation to (the psychologist) and it doesn’t sit well with the evidence,” he said.
Walsh will be sentenced next month.
