Adam Charles Lusk, a 46-year-old father of two from Perth, was sentenced to 28 years in prison on February 1, 2025, for drugging and sexually assaulting 12 women and girls over nearly two years. Lusk was found guilty of 97 charges, including 85 counts of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of stupefying his victims to commit indictable offences. District Court Judge Alan Troy described Lusk's actions as heinous and predatory, reflecting on the high level of deprivation exhibited during the assaults.
The court heard Lusk carried out his assaults between April 2020 and January 2022, preying on young women and girls—some as young as 16—whom he met through dating apps like Tinder and Sugar Daddy Meet. Many victims were left with no recollection of the horrific incidents, learning about their assaults only after police discovered recordings on Lusk's devices. Judge Troy characterized the nature of Lusk's offences as particularly predatory, stating, "Your lack of empathy is truly remarkable," emphasizing the emotional devastation faced by the victims.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Troy clutched onto the impact Lusk's crimes had on his victims. One victim conveyed the emotional turmoil she continues to endure, stating she feels "broken" and would never be whole again. Another victim, who was drugged and filmed against her will, shared the despair of reviewing footage of herself, describing her state as "lifeless." Judge Troy echoed these sentiments, declaring, "You stole something irreplaceable from all of your victims," reiteratively pointing to the depth of trauma caused by Lusk's actions.
It was revealed during Lusk's trial, which spanned five weeks, the graphic nature of the assaults. Prosecutor Elizabeth Noonan showcased videos capturing Lusk's predatory behavior, where victims could be heard pleading for him to stop, yet he continued his assault. Some victims were described as having "floppy" limbs, indicating they were unconscious or incapable of consent.
Judge Troy noted the troubling conditions under which Lusk lured his victims to his home, often under the guise of social gatherings. Evidence presented indicated Lusk altered his victims' drinks, leading to their incapacitation. The judge did not shy away from describing Lusk's behavior as "almost mechanical," stating, "Your sexual penetration was often violent." If not for his arrest, Judge Troy warned, Lusk would have likely continued these predatory acts.
Three of Lusk's victims were teenagers, and Judge Troy highlighted their vulnerability. He stated, "The majority of the victims were all remarkably younger than you; in this respect, they were more vulnerable." This statement resonates with the broader societal concern about the targeting of young women and girls by predatory men.
Throughout the trial, Lusk's demeanor was stoic, lacking any indication of remorse or recognition of wrongdoing. His inability to empathize with his victims prompted Judge Troy to conclude, "It is abundantly clear to me if [police] had not arrested you... you would have continued to offend in this fashion." Lusk's persistent denial of his actions served as another layer of the distress faced by his victims, who felt compelled to testify against him.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, including videos and victim testimonies, Lusk continued to maintain his innocence, claiming all encounters were consensual. His defense hinged on the notion of his victims' supposed pretense of unconsciousness, which the jury dismissed. The jury deliberated carefully before convicting him, reflecting the harrowing details shared during testimonies and graphic footage viewed throughout the trial.
Victim testimonies revealed the emotional and psychological toll of Lusk's actions. One victim expressed, "I had feelings for him at the time, and it took me over a year for me to realize the severity of what happened and what he did to me," illustrating the confusion and trauma inherent to her experience. The willingness of victims to share their stories highlighted their courage and the hope of encouraging others to come forward about similar experiences.
With his sentence backdated to January 2022, Adam Lusk will be eligible for parole after serving 26 years. This outcome, touted as one of the harshest sentences for such offences within the state, is considered necessary to deliver justice for Lusk's numerous victims. Many hope this sentencing will not only act as punishment for Lusk but also as a deterrent against similar acts of sexual violence within the community.
Victims and advocates have urged for stricter protections and support for those affected by sexual violence, as survivor stories continue to emerge. The importance of support services for victims has never been more pressing, and community dialogue about consent and the significance of believing survivors gains traction. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service remains available for those needing assistance, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and vigilance against such predation.