Steven Prey jailed for six years for sexually abusing seven-year-old girl

A carpenter left a child with night terrors after he sexually abused her on multiple occasions, including using a sex toy on her and telling her to keep it a secret.

A carpenter left a child with night terrors after he sexually abused her on multiple occasions, including using a vibrator on her.

The aptly named Steven Prey, 64, committed the “breathtaking” act of betrayal on the young girl, telling her it was their secret.

The District Court on Tuesday heard the victim was aged seven at the time of the three offences over the year period.

The court heard Prey used a vibrator on the victim on one occasion, initially telling her it was a game.

“You told (the victim) that the blue thing was a secret between the two of you which she should not tell her sister about,” Judge Heath Barklay said during sentencing.

On other occasions, Prey sexually assaulted the victim and also exposed himself to her when they were alone.

Supplied Editorial Steven Prey was jailed for sexual abuse of a child. Photo: Facebook

The Aberfoyle Park father was found guilty by Judge Barklay in June of unlawful sexual intercourse, indecent assault and gross indecency.

The court heard Prey was known to the victim and her parents.

“(The victim) wanted to be around you. You would invite them into your house and give them lollies,” Judge Barklay said.

“The breach of trust and the betrayal is breathtaking.”

The court heard the victim now has night terrors, while her parents feel like they let their daughter down.

“She (the victim) feels scared that you are going to come back. She does not trust men anymore,” Judge Barklay said.

The court heard Prey was working as subcontractor carpenter until his bail was revoked.

Judge Barklay sentenced Prey to six years’ jail, with a non-parole period of four years and nine months.

“She was vulnerable, not only because of her age, but because of your position of power over her as her babysitter and carer,” Judge Barklay said.

“The family trusted you with their children and you took advantage of that by offending against (the victim) to satisfy your own sexual predilections.”

The sentence was backdated to July 29.