A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for attempted rape and one year for serious indecency, with both terms to run concurrently.

Sazeek Joseph, who was 22 at the time of the offences, was found guilty by a jury in March of both counts following a trial that detailed how what began as a casual offer of assistance quickly escalated into a terrifying ordeal.

The conviction came after jurors heard how the complainant, who was 18 at the time, had told the accused via WhatsApp that she wanted to go out to relieve stress.

He, then 22, offered to arrange a rental vehicle for her at a cost of $100, and when she arrived to collect it, he joined her in the car.

After picking up her friend and the friend’s boyfriend, the group drove around before eventually dropping the pair home. During that time, the accused reportedly handled a taser inside the vehicle, making the complainant uneasy.

She later asked to be dropped at another friend’s home and requested that he return for her later.

While she waited, he sent messages commenting on her appearance and expressing sexual intentions. Attempts to secure alternative transportation failed, leaving her with little choice but to rely on him again.

When he returned after 1 am, his demeanor had changed. He accused her of being unfaithful and drove her to a secluded dirt road. There, he locked the vehicle, restrained her movements, and assaulted her. The court heard that he tore her underwear and used a taser to intimidate her as she resisted.

The situation temporarily de-escalated, but resumed later at another location where she was again attacked after her phone was taken from her. Her eventual escape came when her mother called, prompting him to allow her to answer.

Earlier, the complainant had managed to secretly record part of the encounter. In the audio played in court, the accused admitted to damaging her underwear and made inappropriate remarks about it.

After the incident, she reported the matter to police the same day.

The accused gave multiple conflicting accounts throughout the investigation and trial. Initially denying any wrongdoing, he later changed his explanation when confronted with evidence, including the recording and physical exhibits.

Jurors ultimately rejected his version of events, relying instead on the complainant’s testimony, supporting messages, and physical evidence presented during the proceedings.