Australian Judge Rejects Argument that Steroids Caused Rampage of Rape

 

Sydney District Court Judge Michael Finnane rejected defense arguments that a “rampage of rape” perpetrated by James Nigel Stephens was caused by a “very, very nasty cocktail” of anabolic steroids and alcohol. Judge Finnane showed no leniency in sentencing Stephens to 20 years in prison (”Teen jailed for ‘rampage of rape’,” October 17).

“I must emphasise that I have no acceptable evidence that he drank to excess or that he consumed anabolic steroids,” the judge.

A causal role between anabolic steroids and aggression and “roid rage” has long been discussed in popular culture although not clearly supported by the scientific literature. The defendant’s attorney tried to convince the judge that factors related to anabolic steroid use were at the root of Stephens’ uncharacteristic behavior (”Car rape ‘every woman’s worst nightmare’,” September 25).

Stephens’ barrister Phillip Boulten, SC, referred to his client’s immaturity, as well as his having probably been under the influence of a “very, very nasty cocktail” of alcohol and steroids.

He also referred to Stephens having had a history of involvement in “an aggressive contact sport”.

Craig Stephens gave evidence his son was selected to train with the Bulldogs under-21s team, but the offer was withdrawn as he was told he was not big enough.

In the United States, it seems that the so-called “dumbbell defense” is a relatively popular explanation for particularly violent and brutal behavior. The media has blamed steroids for a murder due to its brutality (even though steroids were not involved). Sexual predators have blamed steroids for their depraved actions. Judges have even accepted the dumbbell defense by dismissing criminal charges in an arson case and by drastically reducing sentencing in a case involving sexual and physical violence.

Blaming steroids for such abhorrent behavior is apparently comforting to many people. This sentiment was articulated by CNN’s Nancy Grace in her comments regarding the Chris Benoit’s murder-suicide.

In fact, it would ease my heart to know maybe he was on steroids, maybe he flipped for a moment. I`d rather think that than think that he could do that.

Sydney District Judge Finnane could find no explanation for Stephens actions yet took no comfort in trying to blame steroids for the violent crime.

“Some of the offences had a sadistic quality to them and he showed, during the time of committing these offences, an attitude of contempt for the complainant and utter indifference to her suffering,” he said.

“Nothing in his background explains any of this.”

Judge Finnane found no evidence that anabolic steroids had a causal role in the violent crime and and categorically refused to use steroids as a mitigating factor in his sentencing.