NATHAN CHUNG PERTH RAPIST SPOTTED BACK IN PERTH AFTER 4 YEARS BEHIND BARS

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Perth community, Nathan Chung, a man convicted of heinous sexual offenses, has been seen back in Perth after serving a four-year prison sentence. The conviction stemmed from a serious criminal case that took place in Edinburgh, where Chung was sentenced on November 17, 2021, to four years of imprisonment for repeatedly raping a young woman with whom he had developed a relationship.

The case was heard at the High Court in Edinburgh, where Lord Boyd delivered the sentencing. The judge detailed the gravity of Chung’s crimes, emphasizing that the offenses involved a pattern of repeated sexual assault against a young woman, beginning just days before her 18th birthday and continuing for nearly two years, ending shortly before her 20th birthday.

Lord Boyd’s remarks highlighted the emotional and psychological toll inflicted upon the victim, noting that her statement reflected the lasting impact of Chung’s actions. Despite the severity of the crimes, Chung maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The social work report presented in court painted a picture of a young man lacking empathy and maturity, suggesting he was unsuitable for programs like the Tay Project, which aims at rehabilitation.

The judge clarified that the offending involved a breach of trust, but also pointed out that Chung and his victim were of similar age and in a consensual relationship, which did not establish a traditional authority or trust dynamic. Nonetheless, the court assessed Chung as a low risk of reoffending but acknowledged a moderate risk of sexual re-offense, with some suspicion that this assessment might underestimate the true risk.

In his sentencing remarks, Lord Boyd acknowledged Chung’s background, including a somewhat lonely childhood due to his parents’ work commitments, and his mental health issues both at the time of the offenses and more recently. The court considered Chung’s lack of prior convictions, supportive family environment, good work record, and his ambition to take over his parents’ business.

The judge also recognized Chung’s youth at the time of the offenses and his potential for rehabilitation, citing factors from the upcoming Guideline on the Sentencing of Young Persons. However, he emphasized that the crimes occurred predominantly when Chung was an adult, and that the offending was ongoing despite the victim’s protests and her attempts to communicate her distress, including a text message where she expressed her need for Chung to understand she was not an object.

Taking all these factors into account, Lord Boyd sentenced Nathan Chung to four years in prison, with the sentence being backdated to October 15, 2021. Additionally, Chung is now subject to indefinite notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which mandates ongoing registration and monitoring. The court clerk will serve Chung with a notice detailing these legal obligations, which he must adhere to strictly.

The community and legal observers are now watching closely to see how Chung’s return to Perth unfolds, given his criminal history and the serious nature of his offenses, which continue to resonate as a stark reminder of the importance of justice and public safety.