Content Warning: This article includes details of sexual assault and may be upsetting for some readers.
A Wellington chef who committed sexual offences while on bail has been sentenced to 27 months in prison after a judge rejected claims that mental illness contributed to his behaviour, The New Zealand Herald's Catherine Hutton reported.
Aakash Aakash, 27, was convicted of unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, and three counts of committing an indecent act. The charges stemmed from a serious sexual assault and subsequent lewd acts carried out in public while he was on bail.
According to The New Zealand Herald, Aakash first came to police attention late last year after he bit a woman’s nipples so hard they bled. While awaiting trial for that offence, he was caught masturbating in front of the public while waiting for and travelling on a bus.
During sentencing at the Wellington District Court this week, a clinical psychologist’s report suggested that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resulting from childhood abuse, might have caused Aakash to behave irrationally. However, Judge Noel Sainsbury dismissed that claim, describing it as “a bit of a jump” to say PTSD was directly responsible for the later offences.
Judge Sainsbury acknowledged that PTSD may have affected Aakash’s mental health and made him more vulnerable to offending but said it did not excuse his behaviour. He noted that while PTSD could have an influence, its impact “only goes so far.”
Court documents revealed that Aakash had been drinking with a group when a woman became heavily intoxicated and was put to bed. The woman later awoke in pain to find Aakash biting her nipples. When she tried to move away, he continued by squeezing her bottom and sucking on her back, leaving bruises, before sexually violating her.
The woman told the court in her victim impact statement that the assault had left her struggling with flashbacks, insomnia, and a loss of trust in people. She said she had to take time off work, resulting in financial strain.
Another woman, who witnessed Aakash’s behaviour on a bus, expressed concern that children could have seen his actions. Judge Sainsbury said the statements from victims made for “sad and traumatic reading,” adding that such offending caused immense harm and violated a person’s privacy.
Crown prosecutor Claire Hislop argued that while some leniency could be given for remorse and rehabilitation prospects, a prison sentence was necessary. Aakash’s lawyer, Zachary Meehan, urged the court to consider alternatives to imprisonment, citing his client’s guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and attempts to seek help for alcohol addiction.
The judge, however, ruled that a community-based sentence was not suitable, citing Aakash’s limited family support, small living environment, and need for structured rehabilitation, Herald reported. Taking into account his remorse, background, and previous good character, Judge Sainsbury sentenced him to 27 months in prison.
He also ordered that the three reports prepared for sentencing be shared with the Parole Board to help ensure Aakash receives alcohol rehabilitation upon release.
Sexual Harm – Where to Get Help
Emergency: If you or someone else is at immediate risk, call 111.
Support for survivors: If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse and need someone to talk to, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, 24/7:
Call: 0800 044 334
Text: 4334
Email: support@safetotalk.nz
Web chat and more information: safetotalk.nz
Police: You can also contact your local police station