Japanese Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Attempted Rape Resulting in Woman’s Death

A Japanese court has sentenced Hiroki Itaya, 44, to 14 years in prison for attempting to rape a 25-year-old woman after allegedly forcing her to consume 32 shots of tequila, leading to her death. The Nagoya District Court ruled that Itaya intended to sexually assault the woman after bringing her to a hotel.

Details of the Case

The incident occurred on May 7, 2023, at a bar in Nagoya’s Naka Ward. Prosecutors stated that Itaya encouraged the woman to drink 32 shots of tequila within 90 minutes of meeting her . He then took her to a hotel with the intention of sexual assault.

Court Findings and Defense Arguments

The court found that Itaya escalated the situation by forcing the woman to drink 10 shots in the final 10 minutes they were together at the bar, despite her declining his advances to go to a hotel . While Itaya pleaded not guilty, claiming he took the woman to the hotel to care for her, the court rejected this defense.

The Victim’s Death

The woman died on June 21 from hypoxic ischemic brain injury, a condition caused by acute alcohol poisoning that restricts oxygen flow to the brain . Prosecutors had initially sought a 16-year prison sentence.

Itaya’s Statement

During the court proceedings, Itaya admitted to encouraging the woman to drink but denied any sexual intent . However, the court determined his actions demonstrated otherwise.