Sex workers deserve law's protection, judge says when giving rapist over four years' jail

CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to sexual assault.

A man who raped a sex worker at a brothel heard an acting justice explain sex workers were part of the community and deserved to be protected.

Darrell Michael Hudson repeatedly cried, wiped his eyes and looked towards his supporters in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday (17 November) when he was sentenced to a total of four years and nine months’ jail.

He and a friend had gone to a brothel on 26 February 2021 where he paid for the services of a sex worker, Acting Justice Peter Berman said.

He took a shower and they started consensual sexual activity. However, he then asked to perform a particular sex act, to which she said “no”, but he did it anyway while saying, “Doesn’t that feel good”.

“No, not really,” she replied.

Hudson then committed several other nonconsensual acts before punching a wall twice, leaving a hole behind.

Justice Berman said that while he pleaded not guilty to this act at his trial, he admitted doing it when he gave evidence.

The acting justice said he had used “violence to do whatever he wanted to” despite the victim’s attempts to get him to stop. He also “rendered her powerless” at one stage.

Acting Justice Berman said sex workers were particularly vulnerable to offences of this kind. He said these workers were part of the community and deserved the protection of criminal law.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Anthony Williamson SC had submitted that sex work was an entirely lawful, although regulated, occupation in the ACT.

He said the offending occurred in a licenced brothel where the victim had been going about her lawful occupation.

Mr Williamson also said Hudson was unremorseful as he maintained his innocence and had launched an appeal of his jury’s verdicts.

He had been found guilty of the offences after a jury trial in April 2023. The jury found him guilty of three counts each of sexual intercourse without consent and committing an act of indecency without consent.

He was also found guilty of single counts of sexual assault in the third degree, attempted sexual intercourse without consent, choking and property damage. He was acquitted of other charges.

The acting justice said he would take into account the effect sending him to jail would have on his family when he came to a sentence.

Hudson was handed a non-parole period of two-and-a-half years, which means he can be released from custody in May 2026.

There appeared to be a scuffle between him, his supporters and custodial officers after he had been sentenced when the officers attempted to take him into custody.

“Love you. Stay strong, okay. I’m sorry this happened,” the 32-year-old said to his supporters.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact 1800RESPECT, which is the national domestic and sexual violence support service by calling 1800 737 732 or by visiting www.1800respect.org.au.