Senator Slams Judge's Decision in Teen Rape Case

One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts has publicly condemned a judge's decision to suspend the prison sentence of a teenager who was convicted of rape. The offender, who cannot be named and is referred to as Lucas Hancock, raped an 18-year-old woman at a house party in Canberra's north-west on August 1, 2025.

ACT Supreme Court Justice Andrew Muller handed down an 18-month prison sentence, suspended in full, to be served in the community under a good behavior order. The judge noted that the offender, who was 16 at the time of the assault, had migrated from Bhutan only six months prior and had no prior criminal record or sexual experience. Justice Muller stated that the offender's "prior lack of sexual experience and inevitably limited insight into societal norms in Australia given his very short time in the country prior to the offending are factors mitigating his moral culpability."

Senator Roberts took to social media to express his outrage, calling the ruling "disgusting" and questioning the implications for Australian women. .

According to court documents, the teenager approached the victim, known as DS, at the party and led her away from the group to a nearby greenbelt. The court found that the boy then pinned the 18-year-old to the ground and proceeded to sexually assault her. DS told police that she froze during the attack and that she had told the teenager to stop, stating she did not want anything sexual to happen.

Justice Muller detailed twelve aggravating features of the offense, including that the offender had moved the victim away from the safety of the group, did not ask for consent, continued despite her requests to stop, ripped her clothing, and used considerable force. The judge also acknowledged the disparity in physical size and strength between the two teenagers. The court heard that the assault was humiliating and degrading, involving significant physical force and a disregard for the victim's wishes.

In a victim impact statement, DS described the profound emotional and psychological toll of the assault, stating, "(I) can no longer call my body my own" and that her life was stolen and forever changed. She told the court that, at 18 years old, she expected adventure and opportunity, not to be raped at a party with people she knew. The court heard that after the assault, she struggled with basic daily tasks for months.

Justice Muller concluded that Hancock had since developed a better understanding of consent, recognizing that it involves clear and active communication. While the judge found the gravity of the offense warranted imprisonment, he determined that the offender's rehabilitation would be better served in the community. Hancock will remain under court supervision until April 2028. . .