Man jailed for ‘exploitive’ attempt at sex
The family of a brain-injured woman has refused an offer of money from the man who has been jailed for trying to have sex with her.
Stephen Matthew Mulvey, 56, was jailed today for two years three months by Judge Gary MacAskill in the Christchurch District Court.
He was appearing for sentence after pleading guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a woman with a significant mental impairment.
Defence counsel Bridget Ayrey said the offending had amounted to a failed attempt at sexual intercourse. There had been no suggestion of any use of force, nor any threats. “He should have known better, and he has taken full responsibility with his guilty pleas,” she said.
Mulvey was described in court, in testimonials, as being “warm, kind, and popular”. Others said he was reliable, honest, and had a strong work ethic. As a result of the offending, he had lost his job as a hospital orderly.
Judge MacAskill said Mulvey had been well aware of the woman’s special needs. “The victim was clearly vulnerable, as you well knew,” he said.
Mulvey offered to pay $1000 to the family of the woman, as emotional harm reparations.
“The family has declined this. That is perfectly understandable,” said the judge.
The defence had urged the judge to impose a home detention sentence, but the final term was not within the two-year range for that sentence. Judge MacAskill said that even if it had been under two years, he would not have granted home detention. There was a need to denounce and deter others from such offending.
He said Mulvey had taken advantage of the woman, and he should have appreciated the exploitive nature of his actions.
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Connect
Connect with us via: