Rhian Lee Ryan.
Camera IconRhian Lee Ryan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Baldivis: “Facebook famous” social media rapist Rhian Lee Ryan sentenced to prison

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

A BALDIVIS man who referred to himself as “Facebook famous” and used social media to find his rape victim was sentenced to an immediate prison term today.

Rhian Lee Ryan (20) was sentenced before Judge Hylton Quail after pleading guilty to compelling a person to do an act and sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16.

Prosecutor Joel Ginceri said Ryan formed a friendship with the 15-year-old female victim through Facebook in 2016.

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The victim sent a photo of her breasts to Ryan, shortly after he threatened to post the image on social media if she did not send more explicit nude images to him.

She complied out of fear and he once again threatened to post the images again if she did not come to his house.

The victim complied and partook in fellatio with Ryan.

His Lawyer James Sutherland said it was consensual however Mr Ginceri said she was crying while she was doing it.

“The state concedes it was done with the victim’s factual consent – there is a range of consent from enthusiastic to begrudging reluctance,” he said.

“She started to cry while performing fellatio – it was begrudging consent.”

Mr Sutherland said both parties got satisfaction from using Facebook.

“He was using that medium a lot and he now realises how much trouble that was for him but he just used it more and more,” he said.

“I think it’s notorious that people can achieve some level of psychological satisfaction from Facebook…..”

Judge Quail cut Ryan’s lawyer short.

“But her position is quite different Mr Sutherland,” he said.

Mr Sutherland asked for an order, when he was again was cut off by Judge Quail.

“No Mr Sutherland, no not in the circumstance of a threat,” he said.

“He refers to himself as ‘Facebook famous’ and being addicted to social media.

“He was sending nude pictures to young girls every day on Facebook.”

Rhian Lee Ryan.
Camera IconRhian Lee Ryan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Judge Quail asked Ryan to stand for sentencing.

“You jumped right in the deep end and made a serious mistake, it was a very serious offence,” he said.

“The conduct being punished was the fact it was a child – they cannot give consent.

“You exploited that, that’s what you did and admitted messaging too many underage people.”

“No doubt what you did triggered her break down, (she is) constantly angry, does not sleep or eat properly and (it) affected her family and will for some time to come.

“That is the flow on effect from that one-off selfish act for your own sexual gratification – you understand that don’t you?”

Ryan replied “yes your honour”.

Ryan was sentenced to 20 months in prison