Former Melbourne Victory women’s goalkeeping coach Sebastian Bechaud has been jailed for the “horrific” rape of a woman he met on a dating app.

The French-born former professional footballer and male model was seen crying steadily at the Victorian County Court as he was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday morning.

Bechaud, 35, was found guilty of raping the woman in his West Melbourne apartment on March 10, 2021, in the trial earlier this year.

Sentencing, Judge Liz Gaynor said Bechaud first met the woman on Hinge in October 2020, before they started sending regular messages on WhatsApp.

They first met in February the following year, having consensual sex four times, including experimenting with blindfolding after he shared his sexual fantasies.

Former Melbourne Victory women’s goalkeeping coach Sebastian Bechaud likely to be deported after completing his sentence

But, Judge Gaynor said, what began as a consensual sexual encounter on March 10 turned into an “appalling” act of sexual abuse as Bechaud ignored the woman’s screams to stop.

He had started to get rougher, holding her to the bed by the neck and spitting in her mouth as she protested and tried to escape.

“She was screaming that you were hurting her,” Judge Gaynor said.

“In the face of significant and sustained complaints from the complainant, you persisted … I am satisfied that you placed sexual satisfaction above the well-being of the complainant.”

The court was told Bechaud texted the woman three days later, saying: “I guess I’m done.”

She responded by saying he hurt her and continued when she didn’t want to: “So yeah, I’m done.”

“I tried to stop you and walk away but you’re too strong… I literally screamed stop,” she said.

The former Victory coach broke down in tears when he was convicted of raping the woman

He was sacked from his role with Melbourne Victory after the allegations came to light

Bechaud responded by saying “as if it’s that bad” and claiming he was “testing” her.

“If you open my legs, it’s consent.” You didn’t say anything for a long time,’ he wrote.

“It’s only been a few minutes, it’s rough sex with a strong man.”

Judge Gaynor said it was clear from the content of the victim impact statement to the court that the offending had a “significant and damaging effect”.

“She remains traumatized by the experience of being physically powerless for a period of time,” the judge said.

The court was told Bechaud moved to Australia to start a new life after an arm injury ended his professional goalkeeping career in France and he became disillusioned with modeling work overseas.

Until he was sacked in March 2023, Bechaud spent much of his time in Australia employed as a football coach, rising to head goalkeeping coach for the Melbourne Victory women’s team.

Judge Gaynor said until this offending she had led a successful life, noting she would be “extremely surprised” if Bechaud ever appeared before a court again.

Bechaud was sentenced in the Victorian County Court on Friday

But she found that he treated the woman as an object and was oblivious to the damage she had caused.

“Unfortunately, you have been forced to learn a lesson in the most serious terms,” ​​she said.

“It is not enough to decide that a woman is consent.

“Anyone who engages in sexual activity is required to ensure that their partner’s position and consent is ongoing.”

Judge Gaynor noted that there are some in the community who do not believe that sex after withdrawal of consent should be considered rape, but said: “this case shows very clearly why such legislation is necessary.”

“For someone who has professionally claimed to be an advocate for women in sports, this is not only unacceptable, it’s appalling,” she said.

“Rape is a deeply damaging crime with serious and long-term consequences.

“This sentence is to discourage men from treating women as sex objects put on this earth for their pleasure.”

Bechaud will be eligible for parole after serving 20 months in prison and will likely be deported once he is released.