A Los Angeles man convicted in April of a 2014 rape at Catoosa's Hard Rock Casino gets five years in prison after a bizarre sentencing hearing.
Scott Bennett’s attorney and wife offered in open court brief accounts of their own rapes to counter the victim’s 10-minute statement on how her life has changed. Bennett's attorney also told the judge she spared the victim and her family more graphic details — such as sexual comments the victim allegedly made — of the encounter during trial.
Then there were distinct parallels to the recently concluded Stanford rape case. Bennett’s brother called the crime a mistake and blamed it on alcohol, and Bennett's attorney said an exemplary life was being undone over a few minutes with the victim.
Gloria Allred represents the victim and said serious crimes should have serious consequences.
"I think that this is an important case. I think it was important even before the Stanford case, and I think it's even more important after," Allred said.
Security cameras captured parts of the attack, including Bennett undressing and assaulting the victim in a hotel hallway before leaving her unconscious on a different floor. His attorney tried to frame the crime as a drunken, consensual mistake.
Allred said alcohol is no excuse.
"She was vulnerable. He took advantage of that, and she was very brave," Allred said. "And I just commend her for her courage."
Rogers County Assistant District Attorney Edith Singer let the victim decide whether to read her statement.
"And she chose to. And for victims, I believe that that gives them a sense of closure," Singer said.
Bennett will likely appeal.
