'Foolish' to free narcissistic rapist

SEAN FEWSTER COURT REPORTER

March 17, 2007 12:00am

AN ACTOR who appeared on McLeod's Daughters is a narcissistic, egocentric rapist with a "definite disregard for women", a court has heard.
The Supreme Court yesterday heard it would be "foolhardy" to release Benjamin William Ainsworth without "incredible amounts of supervision".

Prosecutors want the 30-year-old - who fled to the U.S. after raping teenage girls - declared incapable of controlling his sexual urges, and jailed indefinitely.

In December, 2004, Ainsworth was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Los Angeles, where he had been seeking work.

After being extradited to SA, he pleaded guilty to offences including two counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault and assault with intent to rape.

Yesterday, the court heard testimony from psychologist Dr Allen Fugler, who had examined Ainsworth.

He said the would-be rap star "exhibits narcissistic qualities" and "egocentric thinking".

"He told me about his role models in life . . . films stars (like) Arnold Schwarzenegger," Dr Fugler said.

"A number of statements he made tended to indicate a sense of 'it's all about me, not about other people'."

He said Ainsworth apologised to two of his victims after raping them, but that was likely an expression of self-disgust.

"He has a definite disregard for women in general," he said.

He said Ainsworth committed the first rape "impulsively" and his behaviour escalated from there.

Ainsworth would fantasise about rape between crimes, resisting temptation only when his self-esteem was high.

"He said, 'I'm glad I got caught, it cleared things up'," Dr Fugler said.

"At this point, it would be foolhardy to release him without incredible amounts of supervision."

Justice Margaret Nyland remanded Ainsworth in custody for further submissions in two weeks.