Warning: This content contains disturbing themes.
Nicholas John Crilley has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn multiple life sentences for the horrific rape and torture of a woman he held captive for several weeks. In 2020, a Queensland judge sentenced him to seven life terms after he pleaded guilty to an extensive range of serious charges, including grievous bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, torture, and 18 counts of rape.
The victim, a 22-year-old woman at the time, suffered life-altering injuries during her ordeal in Brisbane, which occurred in June 2017. The physical and psychological consequences of the attacks were profound, leaving her with burns covering 46% of her body and significant facial scarring. Court of Appeal President Debra Mullins, along with Justices David Boddice and Thomas Bradley, upheld the original ruling, with Justice Boddice remarking on the "utterly brutal" nature of Crilley’s actions, which included recording the abuses while displaying blatant disregard for the victim’s severe injuries.
Crilley was apprehended eight days after his crimes, following a police pursuit that involved him ramming vehicles and carjacking an elderly woman. During a recent appeal, Crilley’s defence team contended that he should have received some leniency for having called an ambulance, which ultimately saved the victim’s life. Justice Boddice highlighted the life-threatening condition of the victim when paramedics discovered her; she was unresponsive and on the verge of death.
Though the defence acknowledged the severity of Crilley’s actions, they argued that if he hadn’t taken steps to call for medical help, the victim might not have survived to testify against him. However, Crown prosecutor Michael Lehane pointed out that Crilley appeared to believe the victim was too incapacitated to ever provide evidence, which significantly undermined the defence’s arguments regarding his considerations of her potential testimony.
The sentencing judge’s choice to downplay Crilley’s guilty pleas and his letter of apology was confirmed in court. In his apology, Crilley referred to his actions as a "complete overreaction" linked to poor decision-making while under the influence of drugs. Justice Boddice concluded that Crilley seemed more remorseful about his situation rather than genuinely regretful for the lasting harm inflicted on the victim.
As per the sentencing, Nicholas John Crilley will not be eligible for parole for at least 20 years, reflecting the grave nature of his offences.
For support, individuals can reach out to the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).