Kathryn George/Stuff
William Richard Cash was convicted of child sexual abuse.
A 77-year-old man has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for a “raft” of “heavy” historical crimes involving children.
William Richard Cash was sentenced in Kaikohe court on Thursday morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Geoff McCarthy said he wanted to acknowledge Cash’s victims and “the ordeal they went through”.
“This was an abhorrent insult to children, who should have been safe with their caregivers and free to enjoy their childhood,” McCarthy said.
RNZ
Urgent changes to the law on the register of child abusers ensure that hundreds of convicted offenders are back on the list. But one advocate for justice says that doesn’t mean kids are safer.
McCarthy said “no punishment can ever take back what happened to the victims in this case”.
“We will continue to ensure that victims have access to all the support they need as they try to get on with their lives,” he said.
McCarthy encouraged anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault to come forward.
“The police take these matters seriously and we will work with them to ensure they can report these matters in confidence.”
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.
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 website here to access Shielded.