A recipient of Australia's second highest bravery honour has been sentenced to three years' jail for the rape of a woman at Yamba, in northern NSW.
Michael Patrick Williams was charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent against a 27-year-old woman in 2018.
The 51-year-old had pleaded not guilty to allegations he assaulted the woman after she passed out on a lounge at a party at a friend's house.
Williams' supporters, including his partner, reacted with shock and anger at the sentence handed down by Judge Jonathon Priestley in Coffs Harbour District Court today.
Williams will be eligible for parole in one year and eight months.
Judge Priestley took into account Mr Williams' diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which resulted from the incident that saw him recognised for his bravery.
Star of Courage for heroic swim
Williams was awarded a Star of Courage for his efforts to save his friends after their trawler capsized off the coast of Byron Bay more than a decade ago.
In the early hours of February 27, 2008, Mr Williams swam for 10 hours from the sinking prawn trawler, Sea Rouge, to raise the alarm to help his fellow seamen, John Jarrett and skipper Charlie Picton.
Mr Williams guided rescuers to Mr Jarrett, who had been clinging to a red plastic esky in the ocean for more than 30 hours.
Mr Picton's body was never found.
The ordeal was the subject of a documentary and Mr Williams penned a book of poetry to mark the 10th anniversary of the disaster in 2018.
In sentencing, Judge Priestley took into account 11 character testimonials that described Williams as a devoted partner and father.
Judge Priestly said jail was "very likely to be more onerous" for a sufferer of PTSD, but that sexual assault was "an inherently serious matter" and that the "facts and circumstances dictate a full custodial sentence".
"The victim was among friends at a party and was entitled to feel safe," he said.
Bravery awards are recommended by the Council for Australian Bravery Decorations.
In a statement, the council said it did not comment on individual cases.
