Man jailed for sexually abusing daughters and niece
Tuesday, 13 February 2024
A Manawatū man who sexually abused his two daughters and niece over several years has been jailed for more than a decade.
The offender appeared for sentencing in the Palmerston North District Court on Tuesday after having earlier pleaded guilty to several charges including indecent assault and sexual violation.
His three victims, now aged in their late teens, joined the hearing via audio-visual link, and their impact statements were read aloud to the court.
The man’s first daughter said she had thought the sexual relationship she had with her dad was normal.
She suffered extensive abuse over four years from the age of about 6 but “did not realise it was wrong” until she went to high school.
While growing up, she was scared to be left alone with her father, who would abuse her most days after school.
She said she had “pushed” the abuse away from her mind as much as she could and told herself that regardless of what her father did, he still loved her.
“I wish my dad was the dad every girl needed.”
Her sister, who was abused in much the same way, kept the offending secret until 2023. Her abuse began in 2014 and spanned eight years, ending in 2021.
She said she was “shy” growing up and struggled through depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harming. She had been offered counselling but didn’t like to talk about the offending.
She said she no longer felt anything towards her father. “No hate, no love, just nothing.”
Her cousin was just 7 or 8 years old when she too became the man’s victim.
He had visited her home and, after drinking, saw the child in the lounge. He took her to a room and sexually abused her.
Judge Bruce Northwood said the abuse was extensive and degrading, and he noted the oldest daughter’s longing for a loving dad.
“She simply wanted a father that didn’t do these thins… she thought this is what fathers do to their kids.”
The judge said the abuse was routine and “just part of life”, and sometimes the father “would move between the sisters”.
“Having assaulted [one victim], you would get her to fetch her sister, then you offended against her.”
In determining the appropriate prison term, the judge referred to pre-sentence reports that detailed the man’s personal circumstances.
He grew up in a gang environment and was physically and sexually abused and exposed to drugs and alcohol.
The man also told a report writer that his own father was in jail for most of his childhood and his mother had died.
He admitted to having a high sex drive and found this “preoccupation included both children and adults”.
He was unable to explain why he started offending against children but said he was willing to engage in treatment programmes. He also claimed to be remorseful and wanted to apologise to his young relatives.
The mother of his two daughters also shared with the court the impact the offending had on her.
She had been with the man for 18 years and they had four children. She said her relationship with her girls was almost ruined and her world was “turned upside down”.
She had also been the victim of previous family harm incidents with the man but could now “look forward to a future without violence”.
From a sentencing starting point of 17 years in jail for all of the man’s offending, including an additional charge of assault, the judge allowed discounts for guilty pleas, rehabilitative factors and his personal background.
This ended with a sentence of 10 years and two months’ jail, including a minimum non-parole period of 50%.
Interim name suppression was also in place for the offender, but this was lifted after defence lawyer Phillip Drummond confirmed it would not be sought on a permanent basis.
Stuff has chosen not to name him to protect the identity of the victims, whose names are suppressed under law.
Where to get help:
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00, click link for local helplines.
Victim Support 0800 842 846.
Safetalk text 4334, phone 0800 044 334 webchat safetotalk.nz or email support@safetotalk.nz.
The Harbour Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.
Women’s Refuge 0800 733 843
Male Survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click to find out more (males only).
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
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