But a jury did believe her, convicting the man on six charges, which largely related to repeated indecent behaviour, and a physical assault. This week, the man was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court, and the girl’s victim impact statement was read by Crown prosecutor Richard Jenson. “This was an ongoing, repetitive series of offences against a girl effectively trapped in the home with you as her stepfather,” Judge Harding said. Defence lawyer Bill Nabney said the Crown’s suggested starting point was too high, and a starting point of between two-and-a-half years and three years was more appropriate, and submitted home detention could be a possible outcome. The judge adopted a starting point of three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 05, 2026 03:54 UTC