The victim expressed her fear in court, stating that she believed Wilson would kill her during the attack and continues to live in fear of violent retribution. She described experiencing night terrors and feeling the pain and presence of her attacker.
On October 29 last year, Wilson demanded the woman’s cellphone to view an old email. When she tried to escape, he dragged her back into the house, bound her with duct tape, and physically assaulted her. The victim suffered a broken shoulder and endured threats of being killed and buried in the backyard.
After pleading to use the toilet, Wilson released the victim and later dropped her off at Dunedin Hospital. The woman spent six weeks with her arm in a sling and required heavy pain medication. The trauma also led to her being admitted to the hospital for a month, with the possibility of needing open-heart surgery.
Judge David Robinson described Wilson’s actions as “prolonged, unprovoked, and gratuitous,” noting his previous offense of injuring charge just a year before the attack. Wilson was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard, impeding breathing, and intimidation. Probation assessed him as presenting a high risk of harm to others.
The judge emphasized the need to protect the community from Wilson, given the severity and nature of his crimes. The victim expressed her loss of freedom and safety, along with her struggle to trust anyone after the traumatic incident.
For any inquiries, contact rob.kidd@odt.co.nz, Court reporter.
