Filth Orbost footballer Jacob Kane jailed for sexually abusing child under 16

A once promising Orbost footballer who represented the Gippsland Power has admitted sexually abusing a child.

A former “talented” Gippsland footballer who sexually violated a teenage schoolgirl has been jailed.

Jacob Kane, 28, was sentenced in the Shepparton County Court on Friday to a minimum three years’ jail after pleading guilty to persistent sexual abuse of a child under 16.

Kane sexually penetrated his 14-year-old victim after communicating with the girl via social media, the court was told.

Kane told his victim he believed she was 17 and asked her if she was “ok” with the sexual intercourse.

Police discovered messages of a “sexual” tone on Kane’s phone between he and the victim.

Kane later admitted transmitting naked images of his victim.

The victim told police Kane was aware she was underage.

Kane told police the victim sent his partner a message.

“I hope your boyfriend has fun in jail,” the message read.

Kane grew up in Gippsland but moved to Shepparton where he lived with his current girlfriend, the court was told.

The court heard Kane was a “talented young footballer” who mainly played ruck and centre half forward.

Kane played for Orbost Football Club but was picked up by the Gippsland Power after a best on ground performance in a league representative match.

Kane suffered a knee injury while at the Power then returned to Orbost, the court was told.

Kane played most of his games with Orbost but also had a stint at Maffra.

The court was told Kane worked several jobs including as a farmhand, a plumber and stints at the Snowy River riparian rehabilitation project and East Gippsland Water.

The court was told Kane lost his Gippsland Water job due to escalating drug use.

Kane, who also pleaded guilty to possession of child porn, abused meth but hit rock bottom when a friend died after using a bad batch of ice.

Kane also received several references including from his primary school principal and “people involved with football”.

Judge Mark Gamble said Kane’s moral culpability was “significant”.

Kane, who will be made a registered sex offender for life, was jailed for a maximum five years.

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