ADF soldier jailed in Townsville District Court for ‘terrifying’ child abuse

A Private who covered the mouth of a 14-year-old girl as he attempted to assault her has been described as a “hands on” and “respectful” soldier by a warrant officer during his sentence.

Australian soldier. generic .

An Australian Defence Force member has been jailed after he assaulted his girlfriend’s juvenile sister as she slept.

The 28-year-old man, who can’t be named to protect the child’s identity, appeared in Townsville District Court supported by his girlfriend despite the victim child being her younger sister.

On Christmas Eve in 2023, the 14-year-old girl woke up to the man next to her before he pulled her on her back, got on top of her and covered her mouth saying he wanted to have sex with her, according to crown prosecutor Thomasina Papadimitirou.

She said the man told the girl he wanted to touch her, and she begged for him to get off and was crying.

“He’s essentially restraining her at that point, he also covered her mouth so she wouldn’t scream,” Ms Papadimitriou said.

“It’s not simply a low level offence, it’s not an opportunistic breast grab or momentary touching. He sought her out in her bedroom and used a level of force in the offending.”

The man told the girl he would leave if she gave him a hug.

“She felt like she was going to vomit, she then disclosed it to her sister,” the crown said.

The court was told when police confronted the man who had then gone to a park down the road, he said he just wanted to lay next to the girl and watch videos on his phone.

His defence lawyer Tom Hancock said when deciding a sentence the judge had to consider if there were “special circumstances” in which the man should not spend actual time in custody.

“His position with the forces has been terminated,” Mr Hancock said.

“The army will help him find a new job.”

However, he said the man was going to lose his defence housing benefit.

“The loss of his job and his housing are direct consequences of the commission of this offence and are really penalties already imposed that are separate from the court process,” the lawyer said.

“There’s no doubt what occurred would’ve been frightening but it was relatively brief.”

‘A terrifying experience, one she will never forget’ - Judge Kahler

Judge Christopher Kahler summarised a reference letter submitted by a Warrant Officer which referred to the man as “polite and respectful”.

“(He says) you are a hands-on soldier, making you a significant contributor to the army,” His Honour said.

The judge however did not support the notion that there were exceptional circumstances applied to the man’s case to justify him not spending any time in custody.

“The whole ordeal can be described as a terrifying experience and one she will never forget,” he said.

The man pleaded guilty to indecent treatment of a child.

He was sentenced to 12 months jail suspended after serving two months for an operational period of 12 months. Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as ADF soldier jailed in Townsville District Court for ‘terrifying’ child abuse