Rowan Varnish jailed for unlawful sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl he met online

A married man who lied about his age to abuse a girl just days after she graduated primary school, preyed on her even after he was confronted by her mother.

A paedophile who lied about his age to have sex with a 13 year old continued with his predatory actions even after being confronted by her mother.

Rowan Varnish, 33, was jailed in the Adelaide District Court this week for preying on a child’s youth.

The court heard Varnish met the victim through a social media application called Wink in November 2020 and began communicating with her on Snapchat.

The victim, who was aged 13, told Varnish she was 16.

“You, however, told the complainant that you were 18, turning 19, when you were in fact 32 years old,” Judge Ian Press said during sentencing.

Varnish picked up the victim and her friend in December 2020 and was confronted by the victim’s mother when he dropped her home.

“The victim’s mother was clearly upset. That did not, however, change your behaviour,” Judge Press said.

The victim’s mother unsuccessfully attempted to involve police and then confiscated the victim’s electronic devices.

Varnish resumed contact with her after she was given an iPad by a friend.

“You told her you missed her and contact then continued,” Judge Press said.

“From that point your manipulation and abuse of a young vulnerable girl only worsened.”

The court heard Varnish and the victim met up and had sexual intercourse on four occasions between December and January 2021.

“The first occasion of intercourse occurred after you had been confronted by the complainant’s mother and you were aware the complainant was 13 years of age,” Judge Press said.

“It was a few days after the complainant’s primary school graduation.”

The court heard Varnish drove the victim to a secluded location and had sex with her.

Varnish then engaged in sexual acts with the victim in a car, at a house and at his workplace on another occasion.

“Even after she complained it was hurting you continued,” Judge Press said.

The victim’s mother reported Varnish to police after he returned the victim home at 4am.

“The vulnerability of someone as young as the victim is perhaps illustrated by the victim herself when she told police ‘I didn’t want to do it, but I didn’t want him to stop liking me either’.”

The court heard the offending had left a significant impact on the victim and her mother.

Rowan Varnish was jailed in Adelaide District Court for a child sex offence. Photo: Facebook

Varnish, of Mawson Lakes, had previously pleaded guilty to maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child.

The court heard Varnish was previously working as a project engineer but was dismissed when the offending came to light.

“At the time of this offending you were married with two children under the age of five,” Judge Press said.

“You have reported feeling a great sense of loneliness at that time.”

The court heard Varnish, who was drinking heavily at the time of the offending, has since engaged in counselling.

Judge Press sentenced Varnish to six years and one month jail, with a non-parole period of three years and five months.

“You put your interests before hers and you preyed on her youth,” Judge Press said.

“You decided that feeling better about yourself justified driving a wedge between a 13-year-old and her mother and justified using and manipulating a 13-year-old for your sexual gratification and your emotional wellbeing.”

The sentence was backdated to September 10.