Peter Lang’s victim speaks out in court before his sentencing

The victim of a former radio star and Australia Zoo marketing manager has given a harrowing impact statement describing the lasting impact his offending had on her life.

Peter Lang at Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The victim of former radio personality and Australia Zoo marketing manager Peter Lang has delivered a harrowing account of the impact his offending had on her life.

Lang, 66, pleaded guilty to four historical child sex offences at Maroochydore District Court on Monday, months after he was found guilty on related charges during a trial in May.

He had initially pleaded not guilty to 22 historic offences involving two girls at the start of trial in March.

The jury found Lang guilty of five charges, not guilty of two, while six charges were dropped.

On four of the charges the jury were discharged after they were unable to reach a majority verdict and he was set to be retried for them.

However, on Monday, Lang pleaded guilty to the four charges; including three counts of carnal knowledge with a child under 16 and one count of the indecent treatment of a girl under 14.

He is set to be sentenced on Wednesday for the offences committed in the 1980s which involved a 13-year-old girl.

Peter Lang leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Lang’s victim spoke in court during sentencing submissions on Monday, giving a harrowing account of the impact he had on her life.

“For 33 years, I remained silent about what had happened to me, carrying the weight of this trauma alone,” the victim said.

“I was terrified of the judgement and stigma that might come if I spoke out. I was also fearful that no one would believe me, given the high standing and celebrity status that Peter Lang held in the community, and this fear kept me from seeking the help and support I needed, compounding the pain I was already carrying.”

She said it was after watching a documentary about sexual abuse survivors, which mirrored her own experiences, that she decided to speak up.

Peter Lang leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“I was not physically or emotionally prepared for sexual activity. This premature exposure to an adult world forced me to change,” she said.

“Emotionally I was not equipped to handle these intense emotions and trauma that accompanied the abuse.

“Physically I was underprepared for the invasion of my body and a violation of my boundaries.”

She said being exposed to sexual activity as a child eroded her sense of self-worth.

“Losing my innocence resulted in me struggling to find true happiness,” she said.

The victim broke down in tears as she spoke about the strained relationship with her father.

“I was proud to be a daddy’s girl and cherish the close and loving relationship that I had with him,” she said.

“Unfortunately the damage to my self esteem and change in my personality after encountering Peter Lang and his abuse led to me being completely misunderstood and caused my father and I to become estranged,” she said.

Peter Lang leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“Sadly my dad passed away before we had an opportunity to reunite. He will never know me as an adult, never know the strong and independent woman, mother and nurse that I have become.

“He last knew me as a troubled teen who perceived herself to be more grown up than my age suggested.

“I do not forgive you, Peter, for this,” she said, as she wiped away tears.

“I was a child, just five days after I turned 13 years old, and you were a grown-a** man nearing 30 years of age.”

“You absolutely disgust me.”

She said the long court process has taken an emotional toll on her mental health and emotional wellbeing.

“The trial process itself was deeply damaging and added to the trauma I have already endured,” she said

“But I’m still standing, I’m here, you haven’t beaten me and I am not afraid of you or your fancy legal team.

“Now the community, of which you’ve enjoyed a lucrative career and celebrity status, now know you as the predator that you are.”

Originally published as Peter Lang’s victim speaks out in court before his sentencing