Boronia Heights grandfather jailed for indecent treatment charge

A Logan grandfather has been jailed after inappropriately touching his grandchild while babysitting before swearing her to secrecy, a court heard. Warning: Distressing content.

A Logan grandfather has been jailed after touching his granddaughter in an “intimate” way while babysitting before swearing the six-year-old to secrecy.

The Boronia Heights man pleaded guilty in Beenleigh District Court on June 7 to one count of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 12.

The defendant and the victim were watching television together on September 14, 2020 when he started inappropriately touching her, the court heard.

The court was also told the man instructed the child not to tell anyone about the incident.

“You targeted the complainant when the parents were out of the house and told her not to tell anyone,” Judge Rowan Jackson said.

“It was invasive and intimate skin on skin contact committed against a very young child.”

The court heard the defendant denied touching the child after she told her parents.

“He claimed it happened during tickling the child,” Crown prosecutor, Samantha O’Rourke, said.

The man claimed he was suffering from several health problems and took a large amount of medication on the day.

“You had taken a lot of painkillers and were not yourself, you felt very guilty and could not face the complainant’s mother,” Judge Jackson said.

The man’s lawyer, Cecelia Bernardin, said he was remorseful for his actions and was afraid jail time would impact his mental health.

“He understands that this behaviour is wrong and is ought to be ashamed of,” she said.

“He is suffering from a mental disorder.”

Judge Jackson said his behaviour was a serious breach of trust.

“She trusted you, as did her parents,” he said.

“There has been a significant impact on her and her family.”

The grandfather’s lawyer said the man planned to see a psychologist.

“I hope that’s genuine because that’s something that you need to do,” Judge Jackson said.

He was convicted and received 18 months imprisonment, suspended after three months.