Lia Ah-Sang in court for indecent treatment of child under 12

A man who molested a child in Bundaberg had a shocking criminal history involving drugs, violence and dishonesty.

Lia Ah-Sang pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent treatment of a girl under 12.

A man indecently treated a child under 12 in Bundaberg, Bundaberg District Court heard on Wednesday.

The court heard that Lia Ah-Sang, 32, made lewd comments to the girl and touched her in an indecent manner, making her feel unwell.

The court further heard that Ah-Sang told the girl that he would “hurt her badly” if she told anyone about the incident.

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Lia Ah-Sang pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully and indecently dealing with a child under 12.

Crown prosecutor Carla Ahern outlined Ah-Sang’s lengthy criminal history, including offences for violence, drugs and dishonesty.

Lia Ah-Sang pleaded guilty before Bundaberg District Court to a charge of unlawfully and indecently dealing with a child under 12.

Ah-Sang was sentenced to 6.5 years in jail in 2012 for holding a knife to the neck of his friend’s mother.

The court heard that Ah-Sang was under a good behaviour bond for drug-related charges when he committed the offences for which he was being sentenced on Wednesday.

The court also heard Ah-Sang was on remand for separate offences to those being sentenced on Wednesday.

Despite this lengthy criminal history, given that Ah-Sang’s previous offences were not sexual in nature, Ms Ahern submitted a period of probation of between 18 months to two years.

Ahern’s barrister, Phillip Hardcastle, told the court of Ah-Sang’s troubled family background, including being abandoned by his parents at birth in Samoa.

The court also heard that Ah-Sang had stints living on the streets.

He became addicted to methamphetamines at the age of 12, was first imprisoned at the age of 18 and was on medication for schizophrenia.

Mr Hardcastle submitted that a probation period of 18 months would be appropriate.

In sentencing, Judge Paul Smith KC told Ah-Sang he would “make an order that assists with (his) rehabilitation”.

Judge Paul Smith KC placed Ah-Sang on 18 months probation.

Judge Smith ordered a period of 18 months probation to take effect after he was released from custody for the matters at Brisbane Magistrates Court for which he is currently remanded in custody.

While under probation Ah-Sang will have to submit to all medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment as directed by Corrective Services.

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Judge Smith also ordered Corrective Services help Ah-Sang obtain identification and housing.

He spoke directly to Ah-Sang about avoiding drugs including methamphetamines.

“Start with the drugs … the keys are in your hands, “ Judge Smith said.

“Ultimately, it’s for you whether you use drugs.”