Former Canberra Public Servant Sentenced to Nearly Four Years for Assault and Rape

A former public servant from Canberra has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after being convicted of raping and assaulting his former wife.

Justin Benn, 45, was found guilty by a jury of one count of rape and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm. He later pleaded guilty to an additional charge of rape.

Benn was also sentenced for multiple acts of indecency and property damage. The court heard that during an argument, Benn pushed his wife in the back while she was emptying the dishwasher, causing bruises and a cut to her leg. After the incident, he went into the couple’s butler’s pantry and made himself a coffee.

Although the couple separated in 2021, the court was told that the abusive acts occurred before that time.

The victim recounted waking up to find Benn sexually assaulting her, during which he reportedly told her, “You are still my wife.” Several of these incidents happened while she was asleep, and she had previously told Benn not to attempt sex with her when she was unconscious.

Justice Louise Taylor described the victim’s statement as revealing a “relentless cycle of fear and coercive control.” She emphasized that Benn’s actions, especially using the victim’s body while she was asleep, demonstrated “predatory” behavior, particularly since it took place in her own bedroom, a space where she should have felt safe.

The judge condemned Benn’s deliberate decision to assault his wife in her most vulnerable state, describing his conduct as “humiliating and degrading.”