October 23, 2008

Stepfather jailed for years of violence, humiliation

By David Clarkson

A 27-year-old woman has told of years of violence and humiliation ? including a forced cutting of her long hair ? at the hands of her stepfather.

Now the stepfather has been found guilty in a Christchurch District Court trial, and must serve a two year six month jail term and pay the daughter $10,000 reparations for emotional harm.

He was sentenced today by Judge Michael Crosbie who told him the jail term was not within the range for home detention.

The man is from rural Canterbury and although his name is not suppressed, the crown believes publication of it would identify his victim who endured about eight years of abuse at his hands.

The offending went on from 1988 to 1996. The man admitted charges of assault with intent to injure and assault on a child. The jury found him guilty of three indecent assaults ? which he still denies ? and assault on a woman.

The victim has told of a strapping on her backside and legs that left welts.

The indecent assaults involved him touching her around the genital area when he ?checked for spots?.

When she left home and stayed the night at a friend?s house, he drove her home but gave her a beating in the car. Once they were at home he gave her what Judge Crosbie described as ?a particularly vicious haircut? and another beating.

The man had no previous convictions, but the judge described his behaviour towards his stepdaughter as ?cruel and humiliating?.

Her memories of her childhood included eight years of him inflicting fear and pain. ?She recalls the shame, embarrassment, and humiliation of having her long hair cut off at the age of 15.?

She distrusted men, and had moved to the North Island to get away from her stepfather.

He was now assessed as a low risk of reoffending.

Jailing him, Judge Crosbie said: ?You are a man who needs to involve yourself in a stopping violence programme, and who needs to come to terms with your sexual offending. That will be able to be done within the confines of the sentence I have imposed.?

The man has two years to make the $10,000 payment he offered. Judge Crosbie warned him that if he did not pay, he could expect a further sentencing.