A young woman is suffering from ongoing trauma and nightmares after being violently assaulted and raped by a 22-year-old man in a hotel room in Sydney. Joel Nathan Fitzpatrick Burtt was found guilty of four counts of sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated sexual assault inflicting actual bodily harm, and choking against the woman. The assault occurred after the woman had been on a cruise with a group and had drinks at a pub before returning to the hotel to collect some belongings. She was pinned to the ground, physically attacked, and raped by Fitzpatrick Burtt, leaving her with physical and emotional scars.
The woman described in court how Fitzpatrick Burtt punched, headbutted, and sexually assaulted her, causing her to fear for her life during the brutal attack. Security footage captured her arrival in the hotel lobby with a swollen face, where she reported the assault to security and police. In a victim impact statement, the woman expressed feelings of paranoia, fear, and distrust following the traumatic incident. She described her struggles with nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty being alone as a result of the assault, and her fear of retaliation from Fitzpatrick Burtt.
The court heard that the woman continues to be haunted by nightmares and struggles to feel safe and secure, especially when alone. She detailed the impact of the assault on her mental health, stating that she constantly fears for her safety and worries about potential threats from others. The woman’s sense of security and trust in people has been shattered by the traumatic experience, leaving her feeling vulnerable and anxious. She described how the assault has affected her daily life and her ability to cope with the ongoing trauma.
Fitzpatrick Burtt, who is now 23 years old, was found guilty of raping the woman inside the hotel, and has faced consequences for his actions. The court heard disturbing details of the assault, including the physical violence and sexual abuse inflicted on the woman by Fitzpatrick Burtt. The victim impact statement highlighted the long-lasting effects of the assault on the woman’s well-being and mental health, as she continues to struggle with the aftermath of the traumatic experience. The court’s decision to hold Fitzpatrick Burtt accountable for his crimes sends a message that such violent acts will not be tolerated in society.
The woman’s courage in coming forward and sharing her story has shed light on the devastating impact of sexual assault and violence against women. Her determination to seek justice and hold her assailant accountable for his actions is commendable, and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and believing survivors of sexual assault. The court’s verdict against Fitzpatrick Burtt sends a strong message that perpetrators of sexual violence will be held accountable for their crimes, and that survivors will be believed and supported in seeking justice. The woman’s bravery in facing her attacker in court and speaking out about her experience is an inspiration to others who have experienced similar trauma, and a powerful call to action to end sexual violence and support survivors in their healing journey.
