Alaa Hassan Kharif: Refugee, 27, admits raping sleeping woman after a night out – as he learns his fate in court
A refugee who came to Australia on a permanent resident visa has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually assaulting a sleeping woman.
Alaa Hassan Kharif, 27, pleaded guilty to one charge of rape when he appeared in the Southport District Court on the Gold Coast, but added he believed at the time the woman consented.
Kharif had met the victim, whom he knew, while she was out with friends around 3 a.m. on August 29, 2021.
After a night of partying, she and a number of other people went to Kharif’s house in Surfers Paradise, where she fell asleep next to a friend on the couch. Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
The court heard she woke up to Kharif raping her in his bed.
Alaa Hassan Kharif, 27, had pleaded guilty to one charge of rape when he appeared in the Southport District Court on the Gold Coast, but added he believed at the time the woman consented (stock image)
The woman was initially disoriented and confused, but managed to flee and reported the rape to the police.
Later that day, Kharif told her he was sorry for what happened and “had no intention of forcing (himself) on (her),” the court was told.
He told police he thought the victim was “moving as if she were awake” and responding to his touch.
CCTV footage showed him walking with his arm around the woman earlier in the evening and briefly holding hands.
A psychological report said Kharif was at low risk of further sexual crimes and would suffer more than most people in prison for mental health reasons, including a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kharif came to Australia as a refugee and has a permanent resident visa.
This will be canceled due to his conviction and he could be deported when released from prison.
Judge Brian Devereaux said the woman’s victim impact statement showed the rape had long-lasting effects on her, including psychologically and financially.
“What happened to her – what you did to her – affects the way she can interact with people in social circumstances and at work,” the judge said.
Because time has already been served, he will be eligible for parole on July 3, 2025.
If you or someone you know needs support, call the 24-hour national sexual assault, family violence and domestic violence hotline on 1800 737 732.