Clare Connor
Share and Follow

A Perth woman raped by a man pretending to be a rideshare driver on a night out three years ago has bravely spoken about her story in a warning to other women.
Clare Connor was assaulted by Michael Pena Chavez, who was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison on Friday.

The now-25-year-old’s life has been forever changed after the night out with friends in 2022.

Clare Connor
A Perth woman raped by a man pretending to be a rideshare driver has bravely spoken about her story in a warning to other women. (9News)

“I can’t just do things without a care in the world like I used to,” Connor told 9News.

Connor accepted a ride from Chavez, who was pretending to be her Uber driver.

“He drove off knowing what he was doing at that point – obviously me, oblivious,” she said.

Chavez, 42, told his victim he’d take her home for free but then the drive took a sinister turn.

“At that moment I texted my friend saying ‘hey, my Uber driver’s trying to hold my hand…what the hell’s happening’,” she recalled.

Michael Pena Chavez
Michael Pena Chavez, a father-of-two, was then charged and eventually pleaded guilty. (9News)

“My phone died instantly after I sent that message.”

Unable to open the door, Connor was then raped twice.

“I got out of the car, panic attack, couldn’t breathe, started crying,” she said.

After reporting the attack to police, Chavez, a father-of-two, was then charged and eventually pleaded guilty.

On Friday in court, Connor bravely faced her rapist for the first time since that night.

“It was surreal,” she said.

Michael Pena Chavez
On Friday in court, Connor bravely faced her rapist for the first time since that night. (9News)

“It was like I just… I couldn’t even look him in the eye ’cause I saw him looking at me and I just.. I couldn’t even look at all.”

Chavez has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison.

“I thought he should have gotten 14 [years], which is the max,” she said.

Connor only discovered during Friday’s sentencing that on that fateful night, Chavez saw she was intoxicated and purposely turned his car around to pick her up.

“I just wanna know if he knows that what he did was one of the worst things a person could do to another human,” Connor said.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Energy bills

Discover How Australians Can Easily Save Hundreds with This Simple Tip

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is cautioning consumers that failing…
At least 36 people have been taken to hospital.

Tragic Train Derailment in Southern Mexico Claims at Least 13 Lives

At least 13 people have died and 98 were injured after a…
Beach matting allows people who use wheelchairs to reach the water's edge.

Discover Why This Melbourne Beach is Touted as Australia’s Top Coastal Gem

A quick dip to cool off on a scorching summer’s day, or…
My friends and I spent $10,000 on a place for New Year's Eve... when we turned up to the Gold Coast, the owner had no idea who we were

Gold Coast New Year’s Eve Rental Nightmare: Friends Spend $10,000 Only to Find Booking Doesn’t Exist

A group of ten friends, led by a young tourist, found themselves…

Myanmar’s First Elections Since 2021 Coup See Surprisingly Low Voter Turnout

Under the shadow of civil war and questions over the poll’s credibility,…
Premier promises 'answers' as Bondi royal commission stoush heats up

Premier Vows to Uncover Truth Amidst Rising Tensions in Bondi Royal Commission

NSW Premier Chris Minns has promised the state’s royal commission into the…
My friends and I spent $10,000 on a place for New Year's Eve... when we turned up to the Gold Coast, the owner had no idea who we were

Nightmare on New Year’s: Our $10,000 Gold Coast Booking Disaster

A group of young tourists, led by a woman from New Zealand,…
Marilyn superfund story

Marilyn Faces Dual Financial Blow: Retirement Savings and Husband’s Life Insurance Payout Lost

Exclusive: Marilyn, a 60-year-old woman from Victoria, thought she was making a…