Far North man, 62, who maintained sexual relationship with young girl sentenced to six years jail

A “grandfather” figure with a family of his own gave a young girl chocolates after committing indecent acts against her and maintained a sexual relationship with her for two years, a court has been told.

A man, 62, who engaged in a sexual relationship with a seven-year-old girl for two years has been sentenced to six years jail. Picture: Brendan Radke

A “grandfather” figure with a family of his own gave a young girl chocolates after committing indecent acts against her and maintained a sexual relationship with her for two years, a court has been told at his sentencing.

The Far North man, 62, pleaded guilty before District Court Judge Dean Morzone KC to repeated sexual conduct with a child and was sentenced to six years jail for a two-year sexual relationship with the child from the time she was aged seven.

He was given a parole eligibility date of February 6, 2027.

The man cannot be named to protect the identity of the girl.

The repeated sexual acts occurred between 2019 and 2021.

The court was told the man had lived in Australia for a long time, and had settled in the Far North region many years ago where he raised his own family, but was not an Australian citizen.

A “grandfather” figure with a family of his own gave a young girl chocolates after committing indecent acts against her and maintained a sexual relationship with her for two years, a court has been told at his sentencing. Generic file photo.

The court was told he was likely to be deported to his home country when he was released from prison.

Crown prosecutor Matt Hancock said the man “preyed” on the girl, committing indecent acts against her for two years, from the time she was seven until she was nine.

He would give her chocolates after committing sexual acts against her and encouraged her not to tell others, Mr Hancock said.

Judge Morzone described the man’s behaviour as a “deep betrayal of trust”.

“She called you ‘papa’ and this offending involved manipulation and you bribing her with chocolates,” said Judge Morzone.

Judge Morzone said the man held a position of trust in the girl’s family.

In victim impact statements tendered to the court, the girl’s mother said her daughter had become withdrawn and would often confine herself to her room, which was also distressing for her family to witness.

Judge Morzone said the man’s guilty plea spared the girl, now a teenager, the trauma of having to relive the experience in front of a jury of strangers and also showed he had accepted responsibility for his actions.

The man had no similar convictions, the court was told.

Originally published as Far North man, 62, who maintained sexual relationship with young girl sentenced to six years jail