A former Northern Territory Football League player who raped his half-brother after threatening to kill him has been sentenced to three years in jail.
The man, whose name has been supressed for legal reasons, played senior football in the NTFL for several years.
The rape occurred in Darwin in 2017, after the offender picked up the victim in his car.
The court heard the man pulled over and threatened to kill his half-brother. He then demanded he perform a sexual act on him.
The victim said he felt scared and performed the act against his will. Days later, with the support of family, he reported the incident to police.
A victim impact statement was presented to the court, in which he reported feeling "suicidal, depressed and unable to trust anyone".
The court heard the offender had become "confused" about his feelings towards the victim and thought those feelings were reciprocated, but Justice Jenny Blokland rejected suggestions it was a mitigating factor.
In sentencing, Justice Blokland said the offender had been diagnosed as bipolar and was suffering from symptoms of the disorder in the lead up to the attack.
She added the offender had been subjected to a sexual assault at a young age, but had not reported it to police.
The court was told the man had a history of domestic violence offences and alcohol abuse, and his aunt had expressed concerns about his behaviour in the lead up to the incident.
He pleaded guilty to one count of rape and making a threat to kill earlier this month, and was today sentenced to three years in jail.
He will be eligible for parole in September 2019.
