Bendigo electrician Heath Ross, Get Sparked Electrical, jailed for child sex assault
A Bendigo sparkie who sexually assaulted a child multiple times – telling his victim she did a “good job” – has had his power cut.
Bendigo
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A Bendigo electrician who sexually assaulted a child multiple times leaving his victim with mental health issues has been jailed.
Heath Ross, 31, was sentenced in the County Court on Tuesday to a minimum three years and three months after pleading guilty to multiple rolled-up charges of sexual penetration of a child under 16.
Ross was 22 when he commenced his offending against his 14-year-old victim.
The court heard the pair messaged each other via Facebook after meeting at a function in 2011.
”Have you done anything before?,” Ross asked his victim.
The girl said she hadn’t contemplated sex but would consider “making out”.
“What about other stuff,” Ross said.
Ross sexually penetrated his victim in various locations multiple times over a 14-month period, and did no use a condom.
The victim became pregnant but miscarried, the court heard.
A lewd assault occurred after Ross had just finished soccer training.
The court heard Ross led the girl away from “other men” just after their training session had ended.
“Follow me,” Ross said.
He took the girl to a secluded spot at the ground and assaulted her.
In another incident Ross had anal sex with the girl which left the victim with injuries.
The victim also vomited after Ross made her perform oral sex during another incident.
Ross told the girl he thought his girlfriend was “suspicious” but he continued to assault his victim.
In another incident Ross made the girl give him oral sex and he ejaculated in her mouth.
“Good job,” Ross told his victim.
In her victim impact statement, the girl said she was “living a normal life until” Ross came “into her life”.
The victim said Ross stole her “independence, innocence and self-esteem”
She said she “felt ashamed” but figured that’s what relationships were about.
The victim said Ross taught her what “he wanted”.
The victim also suffered “emotional trauma” which led to physical and mental health issues.
Ross was interviewed by police in 2013 but wasn’t arrested until last year.
The court heard Ross is a “dedicated” father of two who came from a good family.
Ross received references from his parents, family members and his partner of 11 years.
The defence submitted Ross’s partner was also a “victim”.
“She really is another victim … an extensive betrayal has occurred to her,” the defence submitted.
The court was told a reference said the “whole process will come with a heavy price” for Ross.
Ross started his electrician business Get Sparked Electrical about 10 years ago after leaving Bendigo Secondary College, the court was told.
The court heard Ross, via his business, sponsors several community organisations.
“He (Ross) has been a positive contributing member of the community,” the defence submitted at last month’s plea hearing.
“You exploited her for your selfish carnal satisfaction,” Judge Michael Cahill said.
“You were well aware it was wrong.”
Ross, who was made a registered sex offender for life, was jailed for a maximum six years and three months jail.
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