Paul Hopes, 30, appeared at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where the court heard he allegedly engaged in sexual relations with a western Victorian woman while she was unconscious.

Ararat police Sexual Offences Unit’s Debbie McGuire was the police informant and read the summary of Mr Hopes’ charges to the Horsham Magistrates’ Court. 

“The complainant and the accused became friends on Facebook several years ago. In August 2017, the accused initiated a conversation with the complainant. They met in person and started a sexual relationship,” she said.

“The accused became controlling and aggressive towards the complainant. Our concerns are that the accused’s behaviour has escalated and that he is actively travelling throughout the community.”

The court heard the victim was unable to take a contraceptive pill due to a medical condition that would make her “feel dizzy” and “black out”.

Police allege that on November 19, 2017 Mr Hopes told the victim that he had engaged in sexual relations with her while she was asleep.

When the victim asked the accused why he did it, the court heard that he responded: “To see what you would do when you came to. You always said you could f**k me in your sleep.” 

The court heard the victim told police it was “not uncommon” for her to wake to Mr Hopes attempting to remove her clothing.

However, this was the first time he told her he had engaged in sexual relations with her while she was unconscious.

The court heard the victim took a pregnancy test a few weeks later and it returned a positive result.

Mr Hopes’ defence lawyer asked that her client be placed on bail and not remanded into police custody.

The defence lawyer argued Mr Hopes had not been charged since the incident and was willing to comply with the bail conditions. She also argued that placing her client on bail would save the community money.

Magistrate Greg Robinson said a term of imprisonment in “a case such as this” would be required.

“If found guilty, he will be inevitably be convicted as a rapist and serve a prison sentence. The protection of the community and the victim need to be considered while Mr Hopes awaits his sentence,” he said.

Magistrate Robinson refused bail.

Mr Hopes was visibly upset as Mr Robinson refused bail.

Mr Hopes cried when custody officers escorted him out of the courtroom.

He will appear at Horsham County Court on March 18.

If you or someone who know has experienced sexual, domestic or family violence, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.