A Melbourne man who admitted to sexually assaulting 18 women at a well-known Prahran nightclub has been handed a community correction sentence rather than jail time. On Monday in the County Court, 35-year-old David Maria Anthony Rayan received a two-year community corrections order after pleading guilty to 17 counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault.
Rayan’s offences occurred over three nights in 2023 at Revolver Upstairs, where CCTV footage showed him deliberately touching and groping guests without their consent. Victims described suddenly feeling his hand under their clothing, unwanted kisses on their shoulders and heads, and his body pressing into theirs as they tried to enjoy the venue.
Judge Peter Rozen labelled the attacks “brazen,” noting that several women were alone or with friends when they were targeted. While the judge acknowledged the serious nature of Rayan’s conduct, he also took into account that Rayan had no prior criminal history and entered early guilty pleas, factors that weighed against an immediate prison sentence.
Under the community corrections order, Rayan must adhere to strict reporting requirements, complete specialist treatment programs, and maintain a distance from all identified victims. Any breach could see him return to court and face a custodial term. Had he been sentenced to more than 12 months behind bars, Rayan risked losing his permanent residency status and facing deportation.
Several women told the court their trust in nightlife settings had been shattered and that they now felt unsafe at venues they once enjoyed. Prosecutors urged a custodial term to underscore that public sexual assaults carry significant consequences, but the judge ultimately opted for a non-custodial penalty, stressing that community orders can include intensive oversight.
Revolver Upstairs management reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. Staff and security teams continue to monitor patrons closely and encourage anyone who experiences harassment to report it immediately.
Rayan’s sentence has reignited debate over how Australian courts balance punishment and rehabilitation in cases of public sexual offending. As community concern over consent and venue safety grows, this ruling highlights the challenge of ensuring justice for victims while also addressing broader questions of offender accountability and protection of public spaces.
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