Abigail Dougherty/Stuff
The man was sentenced by the Auckland District Court.
A 67-year-old Auckland estate agent has been sentenced to five years and eight months in prison for multiple sex offenses against two pre-teen girls who considered him their grandfather.
Both girls were between the ages of 11 and 12 when they were indecently assaulted. He also tried to rape one of the girls.
He previously pleaded guilty to, among other things, indecent assault, attempted rape and unlawful sexual intercourse.
Judge Evangelos Thomas said the crimes were an “outrageous betrayal” that would have a profound impact on the two girls throughout their lives.
One of the girls was the man’s step-granddaughter, while the other considered him her grandfather, Judge Thomas said.
“It’s not so much the touch that does the damage, but the depth of that betrayal, a 12 or 13 year old doesn’t understand that.”
Judge Thomas granted the man permanent suppression of the name to protect the identities of his victims, noting that the man had never sought for himself.
delivered
Judge Evangelos Thomas said the insult was an “outrageous betrayal.”
The crime took place three years ago and lasted “a longer time” until the man turned himself in to the police.
Attorney Paul Borich KC said his client was sorry for what he had done to the children.
“The complainants should have expected loving support from him, but instead they received the opposite,” for which he “deeply regretted,” said Borich.
But despite being of good character for much of his life, the man said he had offended the two girls, Judge Thomas said.
“This didn’t happen once. It wasn’t a brain collapse… it was part of a pattern of behavior that spanned over a period of time.”
The man received a 40% discount on the starting point of nine and a half years in prison for his early admission of guilt and his remorse.
Where to get help
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Rape crisis 0800 88 33 00, click on the link for local helplines.
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Victim Support 0800 842 846.
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Talk safely text 4334, phone 0800 044 334 web chat safetotalk.nz or email [email protected].
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The harbour Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.
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Women’s refuge 0800 733 843
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Male survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click for more information (men only).
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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
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If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, please click the Shielded icon at the bottom of this website to contact Women’s Refuge in a safe and anonymous way without being traced in your browser history. If you are in our app, go to the mobile site here to access Shielded.