In a disturbing display of “pack mentality,” three men, including two brothers, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for the callous gang rapes of young women during a buck’s weekend in Newcastle, New South Wales. The heinous assaults, which took place over two consecutive nights in February 2022, have shocked the community and raised questions about the perpetrators’ true characters.
Horrific Crimes Unfold During Pre-Wedding Celebration
Sydney lawyer Maurice Hawell, 30, and his close friend Andrew David, also 30, were found guilty by a jury of seven counts each of aggravated sexual assault in company. Maurice’s younger brother, Marius Hawell, was convicted of five counts for his involvement in the sickening attacks. The trio had invited their victims, who cannot be legally named, back to a rented Airbnb ahead of Maurice’s impending nuptials.
On the first night, the two older men participated in the gang rape of two teenage girls. The following evening, they lured another young woman to the apartment under the pretense of drinks, only to lead her into a bedroom where they repeatedly violated her over a 10 to 15-minute period. Disturbingly, Marius Hawell entered the room and used his phone’s flashlight to witness the assault in progress.
Judge Condemns “Cold, Callous, and Degrading” Acts
During sentencing at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court, Judge Gina O’Rourke denounced the men’s actions, stating that they treated their victims as mere objects undeserving of dignity. She highlighted the “deplorable” nature of their crimes and expressed concern over the stark contrast between their offending and the way they were perceived by the women in their lives.
“Each offender acted as if she was an object … not a young female person who deserved to be treated with dignity.”
– Judge Gina O’Rourke
The court heard testimonies of the Hawell brothers’ conservative Christian upbringing and high levels of education, with their mother asserting that her sons had the “utmost respect for women.” However, Judge O’Rourke found their behavior on that fateful weekend to be a deeply troubling departure from these claimed values.
Substantial Prison Sentences Handed Down
For their despicable crimes, Maurice Hawell was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of eight years and nine months. Andrew David received a 13-year term, serving a minimum of seven years and nine months behind bars. Marius Hawell, the youngest of the three, was handed a nine-year sentence and will be eligible for parole in December 2029.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against them, all three men continue to maintain their innocence and have expressed their intention to appeal the convictions. Their stubborn denial only compounds the anguish experienced by their brave victims, who courageously came forward to seek justice.
A Stark Reminder of the Prevalence of Sexual Violence
This appalling case serves as a grim reminder that sexual predators can lurk behind seemingly respectable facades. It underscores the critical importance of consent education, bystander intervention, and fostering a culture that unequivocally condemns sexual violence in all its forms.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of these heinous crimes, it is crucial that we rally around the survivors, offering unwavering support and advocating for their well-being. May their strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to others who have endured similar ordeals, reminding them that they are not alone and that justice can prevail.
While the road to healing may be long and arduous, it is our collective responsibility to work towards a society where such atrocities are no longer tolerated, and where every individual can live free from the threat of sexual violence. Only then can we hope to build a future defined by respect, equality, and the fundamental right to bodily autonomy.
