Victims of a Northland rapist sentenced to preventive detention say they can now start rebuilding their lives.
Darryl Nicholas Johnson, 28, of Waiotira, southwest of Whangarei, was sentenced by Justice Rhys Harrison in the High Court at Whangarei on Wednesday for raping two women and attacking another.
The penalty -- one of
the toughest options available to sentencing judges -- had pleased the victims, police Detective Constable Shane Pilmer said.
"At least they know he is going to be in prison for a long time.
"It is some sort of closure for them after a very traumatic experience."
One victim was at the sentencing, Mr Pilmer said.
Johnson went on the rampage two weeks after being released from jail on parole. He was sent there after twisting a child's arm so hard it fractured.
He admitted two charges of rape, two of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection, assault with intent to commit sexual violation and indecent assault.
Police said that in November last year Johnson while drunk ran up behind a woman walking alone in Whangarei, and dragged her to the ground. She managed to scream for help, scaring off Johnson.
Three weeks later on December 15, Johnson raped another woman walking alone in Whangarei. He raped a third woman also out alone on February 23.
Justice Harrison told Johnson he subjected the women to episodes of unspeakable violence, terror and degradation.
"Your cruelty and your callousness defy rational belief," he said.
"It is reflected by your actions in calmly smoking a cigarette while your second victim lay face down on the ground, before you raped her again."
However, Johnson was unusual among sex offenders as he expressed deep remorse and guilt and understood he needed rehabilitation.
Preventive detention means Johnson will be held in prison indefinitely, until authorities are satisfied he no longer poses a significant risk to the community.
The Parole Board would assess Johnson in about 15 years' time and he would be on parole for the rest of his life, Justice Harrison said.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)
