A cold-blooded rapist who left a woman for dead in a pool of blood in a crime that scarred Geelong is nearing the end of his prison sentence and eligible for parole.
Luke Benjamin Gill was 27 when he dragged a victim off Little Malop Street on a summer night in 2006 and committed what a County Court judge would describe as an “unarguably savage” rape.
The random and sadistic nature of the attack struck fear into the Geelong community, with doctors labelling the woman’s injuries the worst they had seen in a rape victim who had survived.
Gill was originally sentenced to 19 years before it was reduced to an overall term of 17 in the Court of Appeal in 2010, with a minimum of 13.
He became eligible for parole last year and will have served his time in 2025.
The Geelong Advertiser can confirm Gill is still in custody.
Police close off Little Malop St after the violent rape of a 22-year-old in 2006.
Former Geelong Detective Gary Bruce, who was the regional crime inspector at the time of the offence, said he expected an emotional response when Gill was released.
“It certainly was a crime that was out of the ordinary sexual offending of an innocent young girl,” he said.
“I think there will be a strong reaction this offender will be getting out, albeit that he has done his sentence.”
The circumstances involved in the sickening attack shocked the city.
The victim, 22 at the time, had been enjoying a night out with friends at the Eureka Hotel in December 2006 when she left to use a nearby ATM at 2am.
She was grabbed by Gill as she attempted to walk back to the hotel, with security cameras showing her being frog marched through the mall into a darkened fire exit.
Gill violently raped her with blunt objects.
Forensic police near the scene of the brutal rape in December, 2006.
She suffered torn flesh and internal injuries and was close to death when paramedics arrived.
In the aftermath of the attack, the court heard Gill burned off his fingertips on a BBQ, tattooed his arm, threw his clothes in the Barwon River and shaved his head in an effort to hide his identity.
Mr Bruce said the crime had a lasting impact on everyone involved in the investigation.
“The first responders and those who followed up, particularly those who had direct contact with this victim, it was extremely challenging for them short term and long term,” he said.
“There was also a lot of pressure to solve it.
“I expect those who have a close connection to the victim, and those who have suffered their own form of sexual assault, may well feel aggrieved, nervous, anxious when he is released.”
Sexual Assault Services Victoria chief executive officer, Kathleen Maltzahn, told the Geelong Advertiser personal triggers such as an offender being released from prison can be difficult for survivors.
A courtroom sketch of Luke Gill.
“Our services absolutely try and prioritise people when big things such as a perpetrator being released from jail is happening,” she said.
“We know these type of sexual assaults have long term impacts, everyone is different.”
A spokeswoman from the Geelong Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre said victim survivors “may feel re-traumatised when a perpetrator is due for release.”
“We know that family and friends of a victim survivor can also experience trauma from an assault, as well as the wider community,” she said.
“There is no right or wrong way to feel.”
The Adult Parole Board was contacted for comment but are unable to provide information on specific prisoners due to strict provisions in the Corrections Act.
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre on 03 5222 4318 or [email protected].
Those needing help can also contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 Hours) on 1800 806 292 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.