‘My childhood was destroyed’: Vile stepdad finally sentenced for child sex crimes

After three trials, a South-East man who conditioned his step daughter to exchange KFC treats for sexual favours has finally been sentenced.

A vile South-East man who abused his position to sexually abuse his stepchild, conditioning her to think exchanging sexual favours for KFC was normal, has finally been sentenced.

After battling through three trials, his victim, who was abused from when she was eight or nine according to court documents, now an adult, has received some justice.

The man was found guilty of the vile crimes following a jury trial in the Mount Gambier District Court in March.

In his sentencing remarks Judge Gordon Barrett said he could not accept the man’s claims that the victim made it up because she was jealous of his sexual relationship with another woman.

The man who has not been identified to protect the identity of his victim, was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment and will serve at least six of those.

A former South East school former sport coach is appealing his 11 year sentence for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter for just under a decade. Picture: Arj Ganesan

Last week, his victim bravely confronted her abuser, who had 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.”

Coupled with the stress of year 12 and her mother laying on her deathbed — the victim could not tell anyone why she would go into such severe states of shock that it required an ambulance to be called to her school.

“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.”

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

Maintaining his innocence the man has appealed the verdict, with the appellant court expected to hear the matter in September.