Qld father of seven sentenced for abusing daughter’s 14-year-old friend, walks free from court

A 61-year-old father of seven abused his daughter’s 14-year-old friend five times while she was in his care and made disgusting sexual remarks, a court has heard.

A 61-year-old father of seven told a Logan court he had an “infatuation” with his daughter’s friend, then only 14, and admitted to touching her inappropriately five times.

The New Zealand-born man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 by a guardian or carer in Beenleigh District Court on Tuesday.

The victim was living with the defendant at the time of the offences, the court was told.

The court also heard the first incident occurred between March and July 2021 when the child was drinking alcohol and fell asleep on a car ride home.

The victim later went to sleep in her bedroom and the defendant went into the room, grabbed her on the bed and said “I’m going to give you a little massage”.

A 61-year-old father of seven pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16. She is not the girl in the photo. Picture: Supplied

Two months later, the defendant put his hands down the girl’s top and massaged her breasts, the court heard.

On one occasion, the defendant’s daughter and friend were in the living room when he insisted the victim sit on his lap.

The Regents Park man put his hand down her jumper, played with her bra strap and asked “do you like it”.

When she said “no”, he replied, “don’t lie”.

On another occasion, he said to the girl: “I find you very attractive, you intrigue me and I want to know what you look like underneath,” he said.

“I’ll help you get dressed, I want to hang out with you.”

Beenleigh District Court on Main Street, Beenleigh. Picture: Richard Walker

The offences were reported to police when the victim told a school councillor.

The defendant’s defence said he had no criminal history or similar offending.

His behaviour was because of an “infatuation” with his daughter’s 14-year-old friend.

Judge Craig Chowdhury said there were aggravating circumstances because the victim was living with the defendant and under his care at the time.

“You should have been looking after her and not acting on your sexual desire towards her,” he said.

“Offences towards children have always been taken seriously and there is no doubt about the impact upon her.

“We must disclose penalties to send messages to men to keep your hands to yourself, if you have urges, go get some help, don’t do that.”

The defendant received a nine month suspended prison sentence.