Cathy was the last of six known victims of Farzam Mehrabi, who was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison for a string of sexual assaults. Cathy met Mehrabi on a dating app and went on a date with him at a bar called Bobeche in Perth. During the date, Mehrabi spiked her drink with MDMA and methylamphetamine while she was in the bathroom. As a result, Cathy became disoriented, anxious, and scared. She managed to escape from Mehrabi’s car at a red light and sought help from nearby Transperth employees. She was taken to the hospital, and a blood test revealed the presence of drugs in her system.
Investigations into Mehrabi revealed a pattern of lies, drugs, and violent rape. He would meet women on dating apps, boast about his career and physique, and take them to the same bar where he would spike their drinks. Many of the victims woke up with bruises and little memory of what had happened, leading to a long and traumatic legal process for the women involved. Despite the evidence and testimonies from multiple victims, Mehrabi showed no remorse for his actions during his trial.
Mehrabi’s victims have suffered lasting effects from his actions. One of the victims described how the trauma of the assaults has altered the trajectory of her life, leading to anxiety, self-loathing, and thoughts of suicide. Judge Troy Sweeney noted the profound impact the assaults had on the victims, and pointed out that Mehrabi did not question his behavior despite facing multiple charges and a month-long criminal trial. The defense tried to paint the victims as willing participants in the drug use and violent sexual encounters, but the jury found Mehrabi guilty on most of the charges against him.
Mehrabi’s background as an avid drug user and the product of Iranian immigrant parents was explored during the trial, shedding light on possible motivations for his actions. His lack of remorse and apparent belief that he had done nothing wrong were disturbing factors in the case. Despite his status as a qualified dentist and medical student, Mehrabi’s behavior towards women was predatory and violent. The sentencing judge highlighted the courage of the victims in coming forward and speaking out against Mehrabi’s crimes.
The ordeal has brought attention to the issue of drug-facilitated sexual assault and the lasting impact it can have on victims. Mehrabi’s sentence of 15 years in prison will hopefully serve as justice for his victims and a deterrent to others who may engage in similar actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of believing and supporting survivors of sexual assault, as well as the need for continued efforts to prevent and address such crimes in society.
