Dressed in all white, her hands visibly shaking, the victim of Tom Silvagni stood at a lectern in the County Court to publicly share her story for the first time. Her voice, though trembling, was resolute as she addressed the courtroom.
“Tom Silvagni, you raped me not once but twice. You know this, I know this, and now so does everyone else,” she declared. “You were my friend, somebody I thought I could trust. Today you don’t get to interrupt me, you don’t get to interrupt my words.”
The young woman, whose identity is protected by legal restrictions, recounted the profound impact of the events of January 13, 2024. She spoke of losing a part of herself and the enduring trauma she must navigate daily. Her testimony painted a vivid picture of her struggles, including crying in the shower to hide her pain.
“People think the worst part of this was the night you hurt me, but it’s … having to live with the aftermath every day since,” she said. “Do you know how scary it is to have a big strong man hold hands behind your back so you can’t escape his grip? Your actions that night have changed the way I trust, the way I sleep and the way I move through the world now.”
The Courtroom and the Verdict
Tom Silvagni, the youngest son of Carlton great Stephen Silvagni and former television host Jo Silvagni, was found guilty on December 5 on two counts of rape. The verdict came after a trial where he had pleaded not guilty. Silvagni appeared via video link from Melbourne Assessment Prison, showing no reaction as the victim spoke.
His parents, Stephen and Jo Silvagni, remained outside the courtroom during the victim’s testimony, entering only when the defense barrister, David Hallowes, SC, began his address. The couple expressed their continued support for their son and their intention to fight to clear his name.
The courtroom was filled with supporters of the victim, with friends and family occupying the first two rows. The emotional atmosphere underscored the gravity of the proceedings.
Details of the Crime
The suppression order that had previously protected Tom Silvagni’s identity was lifted, allowing the media to report on the case. During the trial, the jury heard that the victim had visited the Silvagni family home on the night of the incident. Stephen and Jo Silvagni were away, and the victim was invited by Tom’s girlfriend.
After an evening spent with Tom, his girlfriend, and another male friend, the victim went to bed with the male friend, with whom she had consensual sex. However, after the friend left, Silvagni entered the room under the guise of being the friend and raped the victim twice.
“This wasn’t a misunderstanding of the boundaries of consent, this wasn’t uncertainty about what was agreed, this was calculated deception from start to end,” prosecutor Jeremy McWilliams stated.
Silvagni attempted to cover his tracks by altering an Uber receipt to mislead the timeline of events. The maximum penalty for rape in Victoria is 25 years, with average sentences ranging from seven to ten years.
Defense and Sentencing
Defense barrister David Hallowes highlighted Silvagni’s young age, supportive family, and potential for rehabilitation, arguing against a lengthy prison sentence. He emphasized Silvagni’s lack of prior convictions and his otherwise good character, noting the personal and professional consequences he had already faced.
Judge Gregory Lyon acknowledged the severity of the crime and the impact of incarceration, stating that each day in prison would be a shock for Silvagni.
Outside the court, Stephen Silvagni reiterated his son’s claim of innocence and mentioned that the family was considering an appeal.
Implications and Broader Impact
The case has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the involvement of a high-profile family but also because of the broader conversations it has sparked about consent and the justice system. The victim’s courageous testimony has highlighted the ongoing struggle many survivors face in seeking justice and healing.
As the legal process continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing sexual violence and supporting survivors. The Silvagni family’s pursuit of an appeal will likely keep the case in the public eye, potentially influencing future discussions on legal reforms and victim support systems.
The outcome of the appeal and the final sentencing will be closely watched, as they carry implications not only for those directly involved but also for the broader community’s understanding of justice and accountability.
