A West Coast woman is in custody after being found guilty of 11 charges involving sexual offences against her stepson. However, Judge O'Driscoll accepted the complainant's evidence that the woman engaged in a number of sexual acts with him over a period of time. Although not predetermining sentence, Judge O'Driscoll said imprisonment was "highly likely" and to grant bail would just give the woman false hope. "The defence suggested that the complainant has made up all these sexual scenarios to help his father (win custody of the couple's other children) and to 'get' his stepmother. Judge O'Driscoll noted in his written decision that he found the complainant, who is now aged 18 and has his name suppressed, a reliable and compelling witness.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 21, 2016 02:26 UTC