Paul Sargon Kelaita, a 50-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including sexual assault and kidnapping, and has now expressed a wish to convey his sympathies to the victim during a recent court proceeding.
Guilty Plea and Charges
On October 1, 2025, Kelaita entered a guilty plea to ten charges. These encompass three counts of aggravated sexual assault, one count of taking another with the intention of causing fear or mental harm, and two counts of intimidation. Additionally, he admitted to two counts of sexual touching without consent, one count of inciting another to sexually touch him without consent, and a further count of intimidation.
Courtroom Outburst and Apology Attempt
During a hearing via audio-visual link on Friday, Kelaita made an emotional outburst, begging to apologise to the victim. He stated, 'I need to see her. Is she still in court?' and later added, 'I can't express my sympathies to you. You're not [the victim]. I shouldn't have done that. And I'm sorry for it.' The Crown prosecutor questioned his motives, suggesting he wanted to see her again, to which Kelaita responded that the victim could simply listen to his apology on the link, asking, 'Is she listening now? I'll talk to her right now. I don't need to see her.'
Background of the Crime
In November 2023, Kelaita lured a 30-year-old sex worker to a rented granny flat in Killarney Vale, located north-east of Gosford on the NSW Central Coast. There, he repeatedly sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to escape by throwing herself from a moving vehicle and seeking help from a bystander.
Arrest and Police Chase
Kelaita's arrest garnered national attention following an hour-long foot chase through Bondi, an affluent eastern Sydney suburb. Police traced him to the Adina Apartments ten days after the assault, where he jumped from a second-storey balcony. During the pursuit, he leaped over several fences while being chased by officers, including the dog squad and a police helicopter. He was eventually handcuffed on a nearby rooftop and taken to Waverley Police Station, where he has remained in custody since.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The guilty plea came suddenly three days into a trial that was expected to last at least seven days. During the trial, the prosecution revealed that Kelaita had used a false identity to arrange the appointment with the victim, who had previously cut ties with him after an initial encounter. Judge David Wilson SC of the NSW District Court noted Kelaita's 'complete lack of insight' and stated, 'My impression of your client's offending is that he felt a very unhealthy obsession with the victim. I don't think your client has demonstrated any remorse. In his evidence … he appears to me to be blaming the victim.'
Upcoming Sentencing
Kelaita is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27. The court will consider the severity of the crimes and his recent attempts at apology as part of the sentencing process.
