Bundaberg man ends up on national child offenders list

A Bundaberg man, 24, has been reprimanded after one charge of indecent treatment of a child under 16.

A 24 year old Bundaberg man was sentenced in district court after being found guilty of one count of indecent treatment of a child 16 years.

The offence occurred in the early hours of a day October 2022, when the then 22 year old was teaching a girl to play a video game in the family living room.

At some point, the moment was shattered, when he started to touch her over her clothes.

Honourable Judge Byrne said although there was no skin-to-skin contact, nor any evidence of force the offence was “very bad” and serious enough to consider a period of imprisonment.

In the state of Queensland, indecent treatment of a child under 16 years is observed as an act of domestic violence and an indictable offence, carrying a term of up to 20 years in prison in some cases.

Judge Byrne considered that a number of mitigating circumstances, including the 24 year old’s intellectual impairment, lack of criminal history, gestures of remorse, and a swift plea of guilt; were significant enough to evade any serious prison time.

Instead the court imposed a sentence of eight months in prison, which was entirely suspended, sparing him from serving time behind bars, provided he does not violate the conditions of his release.

For a minimum period of five years, the man will be listed as a reportable offender and listed on the National Child Offender Registry.

34-year-old Qld man jailed indefinitely after being identified as a serious danger to children has been granted a release from prison.