Ashkenazi's former bodyguard admits attempted rape

Efrati’s lawyers claim alcohol poisoning caused loss of control.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
erez efrati 248.88 (photo credit: Channel 10)
erez efrati 248.88
(photo credit: Channel 10)
A former bodyguard to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi on Sunday morning confessed for the first time to the attempted rape of a young woman at the Tel Aviv port, claiming to have been in a state of pathological alcohol poisoning inducing delusions and leading to his criminal actions.
Erez Efrati's trial opened Sunday in the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court, where he admitted to all counts: attempted aggravated rape, attempted sodomy, aggravated assault, assault with intent to commit a crime and intimidation.
His lawyers submitted expert opinions to the effect that he had been served alcoholic beverages falsely substituted for those he ordered by the establishment at which he had been drinking, and this caused his loss of control.
The prosecutor said it was her intent to prove during the proceedings that “the defendant was in full possession of his faculties, before the assault, during the assault and in the aftermath of the assault.”
Efrati’s lawyers don’t contest the fact their client’s DNA was found on the complainant’s body, but it is not clear it’s semen.
The defendant was remanded in custody for the course of proceedings by the court three months ago.