Child sexual assault survivor who was conditioned to exchange sexual favours for KFC “treats” confronts abusive stepdad

After she was forced into silence, a woman who was sexually abused by her stepdad for years found the courage to confront the vile predator.

A woman who suffered vile sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather has bravely confronted the man who conditioned her to think exchanging sexual favours for KFC “treats” was “something you do”.

The South-East woman, now an adult, who was abused from the ages of seven or eight — told the District Court on Friday she was robbed of her childhood and left with irreparable scars.

“My childhood was destroyed by this secret,” she said.

“The trauma I’ve suffered has led me to become so emotionally detached and afraid of building and creating positive relationships with men.

“I’ve suffered many sleepless nights flashbacks, panic attacks, along with PTSD.

“I hope the little girl in me can be proud to stand here today to finally say what has been held in for years.”

A former South East school former sport coach was found guilty of sexually assaulting his stepdaughter for just under a decade. Picture: Arj Ganesan

The man has not been identified to protect the identity of his victim was found guilty during his third trial of maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child.

The previous two juries were unable to reach a verdict.

During his March trial, the Mount Gambier District Court heard in the victim’s final year of schooling, while caring for her dying mum, would go into severe states of shock requiring an ambulance to be called.

Despite the stresses of her mother laying on her deathbed and the constant sexual abuse from her stepdad prosecutor James Pearce said the victim “couldn’t tell anyone the reason”.

“My relationship with my mum going from sharing every detail of my day to hide my true feelings,” the victim said.

“Our bond was extremely close, but grew so far and I’ll never get the chance to get that back.”

Over the course of the trial, the court heard the allegations came to light after the memories of the abuse came rushing back when a man had tried to kiss the victim.

The witness, who cannot be named, told the court the victim came through her door like a “whirlwind” that night.

“I saw the text message and almost straight away there was frantic knocking at the door,” they said.

“She was crying, she was going from foot to foot really anxious.

“She kept saying she wanted her mum.”

The man’s defence lawyer Matthew Mead said any time in custody would be more difficult as his client was currently receiving treatment for stage four cancer.

“He is in constant pain from his left thigh. And he also is very much facing the real prospect that he won't ever be released from prison because of that illness,” Mr Mead said.

Following the conclusion of his trial, outside of court, the man admitted he feared he would die in prison.

He is expected to face sentencing in early June. However, Mr Mead has filed an appeal over the verdict, which is expected to be heard in September.