Victim details impact of sexual abuse by Norlane man David Brian Kilner

A woman who was sexually assaulted by a Norlane man says she has been left feeling “isolated” and “lonely”.

David Kilner.

A woman who was sexually assaulted by a Norlane man has bravely detailed the physical and mental abuse she suffered at his hands.

David Brian Kilner, 57, was found guilty in the County Court in October of last year on three charges of sexuallly assaulting a child and one charge of sexual penetration.

In a statement read out to the court at hearing on Thursday, the victim said Kilner’s abuse left her suspicious of new people, “isolated” and “lonely”.

“Physically since being sexually abused, I have had difficulties being touched,” she said.

“My physical health is not good. I always feel anxious and don’t feel safe.

“Since being abused I struggle with depression and anxiety which make being in the world really hard.”

The court heard the victim had developed trust issues and found it difficult to regulate her emotions.

She told the court she had to quit her studies because her anxiety was “off the charts”.

“I feel a lot of shame. I know it wasn’t my fault, I was just a kid,” she said.

“I find it hard to have hope about my future, I feel like I don’t deserve to have happiness.

“It’s easier not to have hope, people don’t understand how hard everything is for me, I put on a brave face all the time.”

Kilner also pleaded guilty to one charge of using a carriage service to harass or offend, relating to messages he sent the victim.

The messages sexually suggestive and included photos of people in sex positions and strange cartoon images.

Kilner called the victim “babe” and “darling” in text messages, and also sent a message saying “I’m waiting for you, wish you were here”.

Throughout the trial in October, the court heard Kilner indecently assaulted the girl by touching her genitalia, squeezing her buttocks and repeatedly pressing himself against her.

Kilner’s lawyer, Felicity Fox said her client still maintained his innocence in relation to the touching offences.

Judge Michael Tinney adjourned sentencing until February 8.

Originally published as Victim details impact of sexual abuse by Norlane man David Brian Kilner