A MAXIMUM sentence of 40 years has been meted to an Australian man for drugging and raping a Filipino woman in his residence in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan province 11 years ago.
The Department of Justice said the Malolos City Regional Trial Court found Roland Ian Cole, a resident living in the country since 2011, guilty of sexually assaulting the unnamed victim and imposed on him reclusion perpetua, which involves a prison term of up to 40 years.
“However, after taking the pill, she felt her body got numbed and felt very weak and accused (Cole) proceeded to rape and abuse her sexually which happened more than 10 times at least three times a week,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“Complainant sufficiently established the fact of rape and identified the accused as the one who had carnal knowledge with her… Furthermore, against the straightforward and categorical testimony of the complainant, accused only offered bare denial,” it quoted the court as saying.
“Accused was not able to establish any ill motive that could have compelled complainant to falsely accuse him of rape,” it added.
“May the victory of this case serve as a deterrent to those who continuously oppress the weak and vulnerable especially women for their self-interest,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Cole is also facing qualified human trafficking charges in another court, according to the DOJ.
