Kieran Webster sentenced after having sex with 15-year-old

A man has been sentenced after having sex with a 15-year-old girl in the Macarthur area, which resulted in a teen pregnancy. Read what happened in court.

A victim has revealed how no words could ever capture the lasting impacts after her teenage years were “destroyed” when she had sex with a man 15 years older than her.

Kieran Edward William Webster, 40, fronted Campbelltown District Court on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual intercourse someone aged between 14 and 16.

In sentencing Judge Jennifer English said the Queensland resident knew the victim through her parents.

In 2011, he made contact with the victim via Facebook and later asked if she would find somewhere for him to live as he was homeless.

He was allowed to stay at a Macarthur property for a few days, but was informed by the parents that the victim was “off limits”.

Kieran Edward William Webster appears at Campbelltown District Court for sentencing. Picture: Annie Lewis

Judge English said the offender responded to this rule with “I wouldn’t do that, that’s just sick”.

“The offender kept telling the victim he wanted to have a baby, but the victim told him on numerous occasions they would have to wait until she was at least 16,” Judge English said.

“The offender replied that if there was no sex, there was no relationship.”

The victim later found out she was pregnant.

In court on Thursday, the victim who cannot be named for legal reasons, read out a victim impact statement.

She told the court she has stared blankly at a screen for eight weeks trying to find the right words.

“Mr Webster not only took my innocence, destroying most of my teenage years, he manipulated me [and] emotionally, physically and financially abused me,” she told the court.

The woman, now aged in her late twenties, said she battled ongoing anxiety and depression and it was an “uphill battle”.

Campbelltown Courthouse.

“I still struggle with confidence so much,” she said.

“So often I start to shake, I still can’t stand anyone touching my neck. I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder. I am still petrified of being alone at night.”

The woman told the court that the last five years has been time in “limbo”.

“Wondering if myself or my family are safe or if he will turn up unannounced,” she said.

“It is easy to ask someone what the impact of the events have had but no words will ever be strong enough to explain how deep the impact runs for the victim.”

Both the prosecution and defence supplied written submissions to the magistrate.

However Webster’s lawyer told the court he disagreed with the submission that the offences involved grooming and premeditation.

“What they [the agreed facts] disclose is he was genuinely seeking accommodation at the family property and as a result of some period of time ... a relationship developed there,” he told the court.

In handing down her sentence, Judge Jennifer English also took into account three charges of common assault against the same victim.

She said Webster had no criminal history and had been diagnosed with physical health conditions and mental health conditions including bipolar.

Kieran Edward William Webster appears at Campbelltown District Court. Picture: Annie Lewis

“He was exposed to domestic violence which is said to have impacted on him significantly,” Judge English said.

“When he was seven years of age, his family experienced a home invasion by offenders with machetes ... no one was attacked but it’s left a lasting impact.

“He was made to feel worthless by his family and gained low self esteem.”

Judge English said the offence was aggravated by the fact that Webster was a guest at the victim’s home.

“He knew full well the age of the complainant and he knew full well what he was doing was wrong,” she said.

“The victim has clearly been left with ongoing emotional harm.

“It is difficult to make a finding that he is truly remorseful and contrite.”

Judge English said Webster was entitled to the full discount for the early plea of guilty and she had taken his deprived upbringing, physical and mental health conditions when calculating the sentence.

Webster was sentenced to two years and nine months in jail, with a non-parole period of one year and six months. He is eligible for release on October 20, 2023.