Ex-Private School Boy Who Punched And Slut-Shamed Woman On Night Out Has Conviction Erased
The judge said her outfit was "provocative".
A Sydney woman who was slut-shamed and punched in the face unprovoked still says she feels “some sort of justice”, despite the District Court scrapping the conviction of the man who attacked her.
20-year-old Nicholas Drummond hit the woman, who wishes to stay anonymous, on a night out last year. The victim said she didn’t know Drummond, who approached her, called her a “slut” and told her to put her “tits away” at a bar. They ran into each other again a few hours later, where she took a picture of the guy who hurled verbal abuse at her, before Drummond hit a bystander, and then the woman in the face, according to the AAP. He also stomped on her phone, completely wrecking it.
The former student at Knox Grammar faced court on Wednesday and admitted to the appalling behaviour, but was only put on a good behaviour bond, and had his convictions completely wiped off his record.
Drummond was worried the criminal offence would have a negative affect on his working with children check as a junior soccer coach, and after his time in court, he went straight back to teaching footy lessons.
Judge Richard Sutherland made his judgement with consideration that Drummond had had a “difficult year”. He also said Drummond had made “a lewd and completely inappropriate remark towards someone he didn’t know, but whose dress might have been perceived … to be provocative”.
“I didn’t consider a long sleeve top and shorts provocative,” the woman told reporters. “It’s a shame. I thought we were definitely progressing in society, and women were being heard — but clearly not.”
“Everyone is just shocked and disappointed by [the decision]. Everyone has the same view”.
Sexual assault advocate and consent education activist Chanel Contos said the case was a vital example of the need for reform in both the school and justice system. “[Drummond] pleaded guilty and there is still no accountability. When that is the case how can we possibly have trust in our criminal system to provide justice to victims of men’s violence?” Contos responded.
“All the writers and campaigners who have shown an overwhelming amount of support, it made me feel that some sort of justice has been served, as it was evident I wasn’t alone,” the woman said.