Astonn Robert Becker sentenced for indecently treating child

A young girl’s devastated family have shared how the girl has suffered nightmares ever since a man, 21, exposed his penis and used her to perform sexual acts.

A churchgoing 21-year-old man has avoided time behind bars after he exposed his penis and used a 12-year-old girl for sexual pleasure.

Astonn Robert Becker was given a 15-month suspended prison sentence and a probation order after he pleaded guilty to three charges including two counts of indecently treating a 12-year-old girl back in 2019.

Crown prosecutor Greg Cummings told the Maroochydore District Court on January 17, 2022, that Becker had already exposed his penis to the 12-year-old girl when he indecently treated her twice.

“He … used her hand to masturbate his penis on two separate occasions,” Mr Cummings said.

The court heard Becker ignored the young girl’s plea for him to stop.

He said the now 21-year-old’s offending had a devastating impact on the young girl and her family.

“There is a very significant impact on the girl including nightmares, sleeping issues and missed days at school.”

“One hopes … (the girl) fully recovers from this, but it’s too early to tell if there will be long term consequences.”

Mr Cummings said text messages and an apology letter written by Becker showed his acknowledgment and realisation of his “serious and concerning” offending.

He told Judge Glen Cash exceptional circumstances including Becker’s young age and rehabilitation prospects allowed for an 18-month suspended sentence and probation order to be imposed.

Barrister Simon Lewis said the Glass House Mountains resident was aware of the serious impact his actions had on not only the victim but him and his family.

Astonn Robert Becker, 21, has avoided time behind bars after he exposed his penis to a 12yo girl and made her perform a sexual act on two occasions. Picture: Sunshine Coast Daily.

Mr Lewis said the 21-year-old was studying to be a chiropractor at the time and would no longer be able to pursue the career.

He said Becker and his family had also suffered an element of public shaming and no longer attended their church or youth groups.

Mr Lewis said Becker started rehabilitation efforts while waiting to be charged by police and a psychologist report indicated he posed a low risk of reoffending.

He asked for a 15-month probation order and suspended sentence to be imposed.

Judge Glen Cash said if it wasn’t for Becker’s young age, lack of criminal history and remorse time in custody would have been imposed.

Mr Cash said the continuation and escalation of Becker’s offending was concerning.

He noted Becker suffered from depression and anxiety, but said there was no identified reason behind his behaviour.

The 15-month suspended sentence will be operational for two years.

Criminal convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Astonn Robert Becker sentenced for indecently treating child