A 46 year old man is standing trial in the Australian Capital Territory after a woman was found naked on a suburban street in Canberra and later alleged she had been held captive, assaulted and raped over a two-day period.
Prosecutors opened their case before a jury at the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory, outlining 20 charges against Sisituutuumata Fulivai, who has pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Police told the court they were patrolling the suburb of Lyneham on the evening of June 10, 2024 when a naked woman ran toward their vehicle screaming for help. Officers said she appeared visibly distressed and told them she believed she was going to die.
The trial centers on events that allegedly unfolded over several days in early June 2024. According to the prosecution, the woman, who was in her mid-20s at the time, had met the accused through a mutual acquaintance shortly before the alleged offenses.
What began as what the woman believed to be a consensual encounter allegedly deteriorated after friends visited the home. Prosecutors claim the visit triggered jealousy and escalating violence that continued over an extended period.
The case comes amid broader national scrutiny in Australia over violent offenses against women, an issue that has prompted public debate and renewed calls for stronger prevention and support measures.
The court heard that the alleged offenses took place inside a residential property in Lyneham, a suburb in Canberra. Prosecutors allege that once the woman attempted to leave or explain herself, the situation intensified.
Jurors were told she was repeatedly beaten for hours using household items, including metal objects and pieces of furniture. Visible bruising was later observed across her body, the court heard.
Recorded police interviews played to the jury detailed her account of being struck continuously whenever she tried to speak or leave.
Prosecutors allege the woman was stripped naked, threatened with a knife and forcibly restrained despite repeated pleas to be released.
The court was told she claimed to have been choked until she lost consciousness on multiple occasions. Upon regaining consciousness, she alleged she was sexually assaulted.
It was further alleged that Fulivai threatened to kill both her and members of her family. Prosecutors said he indicated he expected to return to prison and did not care about the consequences.
According to the woman’s account, a turning point came when the accused allegedly fell asleep. She told police she awoke during daylight hours, quietly left the house and fled into the street.
Within moments, officers on patrol intercepted her as she ran toward them screaming for help.
Police testimony described her as terrified and in immediate distress, forming a central part of the prosecution’s case.
The trial is expected to examine the sequence of events over the alleged two-day period, including medical evidence, police observations and recorded interviews.
The defense has entered not guilty pleas to all 20 charges. Further cross-examination and testimony are anticipated as the case progresses.
The hearing is continuing this week, with additional evidence and witness statements expected to be presented before the jury retires to deliberate.
The outcome of the trial will hinge on the jury’s assessment of the complainant’s testimony, supporting evidence and the defense case. The proceedings are being closely watched, reflecting ongoing national concern over serious allegations of violence and coercive control.
A verdict, once delivered, is likely to have significant implications for all parties involved and will mark a critical step in determining accountability in one of the capital’s most serious criminal cases in recent months.
