Qld volunteer firefighter jailed for child sex abuse

A former volunteer firefighter honoured for his service to the community, has committed shocking acts against young girls behind closed doors.

A former volunteer firefighter has been jailed for sexual acts against two young girls.

A former volunteer firefighter has been jailed for sexual acts against two young girls.

The Queensland man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced this week in Rockhampton District Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent treatment of children.

Judge Jeff Clarke said the man sexually touched the first victim for about 10 minutes while watching television.

“Afterwards, (the defendant) told her it was an accident,” he said.

Judge Clarke said the next victim was her sister.

He said the victim, on a separate occasion, pretended to be asleep when the defendant forced her commit a sexual act on him, then kissed her.

Judge Clarke said harm against children in a sexual setting “destroys many people’s lives”.

Defence barrister Julie Marsden said her client had been honoured for his volunteer firefighting, had contributed to the community and was of “good character” other than this offending.

“They often are,” Judge Clarke said.

“That’s the double life they often lead.

“That’s because of the mask they wear.”

Crown prosecutor Tiffany Lawrence said there was no mention of this offending in one of the character reference letters provided to the court and the other did not mention if the letter writer was aware the defendant was pleading guilty to charges of sexually abusing children.

Ms Marsden said her client had worked in the building industry.

She said he had been “a bit of a rogue” “rebelling against everything” in his younger years.

Judge Clarke sentenced the man to 18-months prison, suspended after serving six-months in prison with a three-year operational period.