An Edmonton man has been convicted of kidnapping a stranger at knifepoint, tying her up in her apartment and raping her.

In a decision yesterday, Court of Queen's Bench Justice Denny Thomas found Philip Skulnec, 30, guilty of sexual assault causing bodily harm, kidnapping, unlawful confinement and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The judge rejected Skulnec's claim it had been a "night of wild sex" and accepted the victim's tale of "sheer unmitigated horror" and a "night of terror and pain."

He also said it "defied belief" that the victim would have willingly got together with a complete stranger who was intoxicated and agreed to undergo "degrading" acts.

"I do not believe his evidence and am not left with a reasonable doubt," ruled Thomas, saying Skulnec's evidence was "inconsistent," "contrived" and "unbelievable."

Skulnec was acquitted of sexual assault with a weapon, uttering threats and administering a noxious substance.

A sentencing hearing was set for Dec. 17.

NEARLY SIX HOURS OF PAIN

On Monday, the victim -- a 27-year-old European who cannot be identified under a publication ban -- testified a machete-armed Skulnec followed her out of the elevator at her Oliver apartment building, chased her up a stairwell and then forced her into her 15th floor suite.

The woman said she then underwent a 5 1/2-hour ordeal where her hands and ankles were bound, she was made to snort cocaine and was then raped and violated.

Skulnec denied the Dec. 1, 2007 allegations when he took the witness stand in his own defence Tuesday and claimed the rough sex and drug use was consensual.

Under cross-examination, Skulnec said he had been drinking at a Hooter's Restaurant and then a strip club on the night of the attack and using cocaine as well.

He also testified that the victim became angry and verbally abusive with him when he could not get an erection.

A friend of the woman testified he took her to the hospital after the attack and said she was crying and was pale, withdrawn and "absolutely helpless."

'SHE WAS SHAKING'

Christine Lucadello, a sexual assault response team nurse, told court she examined the woman and found multiple injuries to her body, including abrasions and bruising on her hands and ankles as well as on her arms, legs, back and private parts.

"She was shaking and voicing concerns about returning to her apartment," said Lucadello.

According to agreed facts, Skulnec lived in the same building and was arrested after the building manager recognized him from a police composite drawing.

Officers seized clothing and a silver crucifix from Skulnec which the woman had described.

TONY.BLAIS@SUNMEDIA.CA