A French national warned Bermudian women about the dangers of date rape drugs.

The woman, who is a victim of rape and cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “I believe I was given a date rape drug on the night of the incident. But it was not found in my blood because it leaves the body within a few hours - it wasn't tested soon enough.”

The woman was raped by 42-year-old Albert Antonio Wolffe of Pembroke after celebrating New Year's Eve 2001 at Blue Juice Bar, Hamilton. Wolffe was found guilty of the crime on Monday in Supreme Court. No date rape drugs were found in the victim's blood sample.

“It is really easy to put in a drink,” she said.

She expressed heartache about never really knowing the truth of what happened. She has been going to a psychologist for over a year to help deal with the ordeal.

“I had a glass of champagne around 9.30 p.m. and ten minutes later I cannot remember anything about that night. My memory returned the next day and that is when I realised what happened. I was sick for three days after.”

Of the guilty verdict, she said: “I can't believe it - I'm so happy. I didn't expect to have a trial because in July, 2002 (Wolffe) escaped to the US and I was very frightened he would come after me. He had my address and phone number in France.”

Wolffe obtained her information when he was in possession of her knapsack which contained her passport, wallet, address book and other personal items.

He was charged with stealing it but was found not guilty on that count on Monday.

“I am happy I made the decision to come back and prosecute - I was scared that he would do it to someone else.

“I was glad to see his face after two years because I had no idea what he looked like. I was scared to meet him in the streets and be unable to recognise him. He knew what I looked like.

“When I saw him in court for the first time I did not recognise him - nothing came back to me.”

She wanted to stay in Bermuda for Wolffe's sentence but is unable to because she was flown to Bermuda to testify and cannot afford the airfare.