Man Sentenced to Four Years in Jail for Sexual Assault and Car Theft: Victime’s Heroic Escape
In a shocking incident that took place on August 24, 2021, a man has been sentenced to four years in jail for stealing a woman’s car and sexually assaulting her when she tried to intervene. The court found 31-year-old Jeffry Varghese guilty of committing a non-consensual sexual act, detaining the victim against her will, car theft, and causing damage to the vehicle.
The incident occurred at around 7:30 pm on Triq it-Turisti in St. Paul’s Bay. The victim reported to the police that an Indian man had entered her car without permission and had inappropriately touched her while preventing her from escaping. When she managed to get out of the car, the perpetrator drove away, causing €700 worth of damage to the vehicle.
During the trial, the victim bravely testified, explaining that her car had stalled in the middle of the road, and she was struggling to restart it. It was at this moment that Varghese approached her, offering to help start the engine. Instead, he got into the car, started driving away, and began assaulting her. The victim described how he tried to pull her on top of him and threatened her, claiming that someone would shoot her if she left the vehicle.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the victim eventually managed to escape. The stolen car was later found by the police with significant damage and leaking oil.
A breakthrough in the case came in February 2022 when Varghese was arrested by police officers responding to a report of erratic driving on Triq it-Turisti. During the arrest, Varghese appeared confused and did not cooperate with the authorities. It was only when the person renting the white Mercedes approached the scene and confirmed that Varghese was inside the vehicle without permission that he was taken into custody.
During his testimony, Varghese claimed that he had been out with friends when he noticed the woman in need of help with her car. He stated that he drove around the block to charge the battery but could not recall any further details due to feeling dizzy. He later confessed to being drunk at the time of the incident.
After carefully considering all the evidence presented, Magistrate Nadine Lia came to the conclusion that the victim had provided a detailed and consistent account of the events. She also noted that bystanders at the scene had confirmed aspects of the victim’s story. Varghese did not deny being present or having contact with the woman but claimed to have no memory of what happened.
Taking these factors into account, the court found Varghese guilty on all charges and sentenced him to four years in prison. In addition, a three-year restraining order was issued to protect the victim from any further contact with the defendant.
This ruling serves as an important reminder that sexual assault and car theft are serious offenses with severe consequences. It highlights the bravery of the victim in escaping the horrifying situation and the commitment of the authorities in bringing the offender to justice. The case also emphasizes the urgent need to address the issue of consent and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in society.
