September 30, 2011

High flyer begins jail term for sex offences

By David Clarkson at the Rangiora Court House

A talented, workaholic computer industry high-flyer has begun a six year jail sentence after admitting indecencies and violation of a young girl.

Mark Peter Ransfield, 51, has lost his job and his family after his offending was revealed. His American-born wife has left him and returned to the United States with their three children.

They had been married about 20 years including a period when Ransfield worked in New York as the chief technology officer for IBM.

He has now had psychological counselling and has indicated he is wishes to take part in the Kia Marama treatment programme for sex offenders while in prison.

Two months ago, Ransfield pleaded guilty at a Christchurch District Court session at the Nga Hau e Wha marae to charges of indecent assault, doing an indecent act, and sexual violation of the girl. He was remanded in custody for sentencing at the Rangiora Court House today.

Prosecutor Marcus Zintl told Judge David Holderness that the crown regarded it as very serious offending and sought a sentence of nine years? jail before reductions were allowed for Ransfield?s remorse and guilty pleas.

Defence counsel Jonathan Eaton said the family had decided for lifestyle reasons to transfer back to New Zealand. This move had the potential to allow Ransfield to reconnect with his Maori heritage.

Unfortunately, the research and development project for New Zealand did not eventuate and he took on new employment at a major drop in salary. There was financial hardship, and difficulties within the family, and Ransfield found himself struggling with stress and depression.

He was a first offender who was now estranged from his family. He had reached a prompt property settlement with his wife, kept a modest cash sum for himself, and handed the rest over to his family to restart their life in America.

He was extremely remorseful. He had written a letter of apology to the victim, and a letter to the judge in which he said: ?Maybe some day the sense of self-admonishment will ease and I can achieve some level of atonement from within.?

Judge Holderness said Ransfield?s offending had tragic consequences. The victim had been vulnerable because of her age and it had caused her serious harm.

?Bearing in mind what I have read about you, I can only express the hope that there will be a place for you in the Kia Marama programme,? he said.

He imposed the six-year jail term but said he was satisfied that Ransfield did not pose a risk to the wider community and no minimum non-parole term was required.