Martin Lynes, known for his prominent roles in Australian television series like Home and Away, All Saints and Blue Water High has been jailed for a maximum of five years after being convicted of sexual assault.
The now 50-year-old real-estate agent was found guilty by a jury in August 2017 at the Gosford District Court for aggravated sexual assault after he attacked a woman at a Bateau Bay home in 2015 and 2016.
Lynes will have to spend a minimum of two years and six months in prison as told in his sentencing hearing at the Parramatta District Court on Friday by Judge Robert Sutherland.
Of two other charges, Lynes was found not guilty for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and non-consensual sexual intercourse.
At the trial, Crown prosecutor Rebeka Court told the jury how in one incident Lynes had grabbed a woman by both breasts before throwing her onto the ground, biting her nose and then sexually assaulting her.
Lynes has always denied the charges of the sexual assault and rape of a woman on three separate occasions between 2015 and 2016.
According to the Townsville Bulletin, Lynes became violent after the woman left her workplace early because she felt sick. When Lynes returned home, the former actor demanded to know what the woman did during her day at home. Lynes then verbally and physically abused the woman who was later treated that night at the Gosford District Hospital.
If you are seeking support and or information about domestic violence in Australia, please contact 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or their website here. You can also contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or their website here.
