Man who tricked prostitute into sex pleads guilty to rape charge

Akis Emmanouel Livas, 51, was due to face trial in the ACT Supreme Court on Monday for scamming the self-employed sex worker out of $850 for sexual services.

Livas initially had sex with the woman in October 2010, but didn't have enough money to pay the entire fee.

He promised to pay the outstanding $50 on his next visit, which he booked later that month at a price of $800.

But instead of paying the woman, he handed over a sealed envelope.

She went to check for the money, but, according to court documents, he said:

"No, no, no, don't open it now, it's - you have to trust me on this, it's part of my fantasy that it's all about the romance and I need you to trust me."

Livas, however, had lied. The envelope simply contained a card with a folded-up paper bag inside, designed to give the appearance of money.

The pair had sex, and the woman became increasingly uncomfortable about the contents of the envelope.

She checked it once they stopped and found no cash inside.

Distressed, the sex worker tried to grab a phone, but Livas stopped her.

She was shaking, crying, and telling him he had betrayed her trust.

Livas replied, "I'm sorry, I always intended to pay you, I was going to get the money out of the bank."

She later told friends what had happened, and reported it to police.

Livas originally pleaded guilty to the rape charge, before withdrawing the plea in October last year.

His former lawyer argued he had been charged with the wrong offence, although agreed he had not paid the prostitute.

The case was then remitted back to the ACT Magistrates Court for a committal hearing, before coming back to the ACT Supreme Court for trial.

Livas appeared before Justice Hilary Penfold on Monday morning, switching his plea back to guilty.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of having sexual intercourse without consent.

Livas is on bail, but will be sentenced for the crime in February next year.