Wellington Chef Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Sexual Assault and Public Indecency

A well-known Wellington chef, Aakash Aakash, has been handed a 27-month prison sentence for sexually assaulting a woman and engaging in lewd public acts, marking a significant legal and social reckoning in the community.

The Crime and the Victim's Experience

The incident, which took place late at night, involved Aakash, then 27, drinking with a group of people. According to court testimony, he bit the woman’s nipples so hard that they bled. After she awoke to severe pain, Aakash continued to sexually violate her by squeezing her bottom and sucking on her back, which left minor bruising. The victim passed out and was later woken again by further sexual acts. She jumped out of bed and screamed for help.

The victim's account paints a harrowing picture of trauma, with the woman stating she lost trust in people, took time off work, and has continued to suffer from flashbacks and sleep loss. A victim impact statement submitted to the court emphasized the long-lasting psychological and emotional effects of the incident.

Aakash’s Defense and Legal Arguments

Aakash denied some of the acts but claimed that most were consensual. However, he refused to comment when arrested in March for masturbating in public on a bus, an act that raised concerns among passengers, including one woman who expressed fear that children may have witnessed the incident.

During the trial, a clinical psychologist’s report suggested that Aakash may have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from childhood abuse, which could have contributed to his irrational behavior. However, Judge Noel Sainsbury rejected this as a sufficient excuse, acknowledging that while PTSD may make someone more vulnerable to offending, it did not justify the acts.

The Judge’s Rationale and the Sentence

Judge Sainsbury emphasized the severity of the offending and its lasting harm, particularly to the victim’s privacy and well-being. He noted that Aakash had no family support, limited social network, and lived in a small flat, raising concerns about his ability to recover and avoid reoffending. The judge stated that the sentence was intended to ensure that no further victims would be at risk.

The Crown prosecutor, Claire Hislop, argued that while remorse and rehabilitation were factors, a jail sentence was necessary to protect the public and send a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated. Aakash’s defense lawyer, Zachary Meehan, pleaded for a community-based sentence, citing his lack of prior convictions, guilty plea, and efforts to address alcohol addiction.

Looking Ahead: Parole and Rehabilitation

The three sentencing reports will be provided to the Parole Board, with the hope that Aakash can access alcohol rehabilitation upon release. The case has sparked broader discussions about the need for comprehensive support systems for both victims and offenders, as well as the importance of addressing underlying issues such as mental health and addiction.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of sexual violence and the necessity of robust legal and social frameworks to protect victims and prevent future harm.