Merri Creek Rapist Receives 20-Year Sentence
The Merri Creek Trail in Melbourne’s inner north is a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and families out for a stroll. It’s a place where people feel safe, surrounded by nature in a bustling city. But on December 3, 2019, that tranquillity was shattered. Joel Russo, a violent serial rapist, approached a woman jogging on the trail, dragged her into the creek, and subjected her to hours of sexual abuse. After a lengthy trial, County Court Judge Liz Gaynor has sentenced Russo to up to 20 years and four months in prison for his crimes.
A ‘Horrendous Sexual Attack’
Judge Gaynor did not mince words when describing the attack. She called it “predatory, persistent, highly violent, terrifying, and prolonged.” Russo dragged the woman down an embankment toward the creek, pushed her head under the surface twice, and sexually assaulted her in the creek and in nearby bushes for several hours before they walked to a McDonald’s. The victim eventually asked someone to call the police. Judge Gaynor praised the survivor’s courage, strength, and quick thinking, saying: “That she was able to maintain such presence of mind in this nightmarish scenario was remarkable.”
The Sentence
The judge sentenced Russo to up to 20 years and four months in prison, with a minimum of 17 years to be served before he can apply for parole. She cited the high risk of Russo re-offending in her sentencing and noted that he had already served time for another sexual attack on a 16-year-old girl. The sentence takes into account Russo’s intellectual disability and multiple mental health conditions but still sends a strong message that the Justice system takes sexual assault seriously.
A Systematic Failure
Judge Gaynor made it clear that Russo had fallen through the cracks of Victoria’s corrections system. She explained that Russo had been released from prison without any support four months before the 2019 rape, despite his previous conviction for sexual assault. She called it a “dreadful oversight” by state authorities, adding that Russo’s “offending, personal, and psychological history” meant that he posed a significant threat to women generally.
Advice and Support
The Merri Creek attack is a stark reminder that sexual assault can happen anywhere, at any time. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault and needs support, there are services available. The National Sexual Assault and Family Violence Counselling Service’s number is 1800 737 732, Lifeline is 131 114, and Beyond Blue is 1300 224 636.
Conclusion
The Merri Creek rape is a confronting reminder of the ongoing problem of sexual assault in Australia. Judge Gaynor’s sentencing brings a sense of justice, but it cannot erase the trauma that the survivor experienced. Going forward, we need to continue to acknowledge the issue of sexual violence and work together to ensure that survivors are supported and offenders are held accountable.
<< photo by Karolina Grabowska >>
