ESPERANCE MAN JAILED FOR ABUSING 7 YEAR OLD

An Esperance man who raped his 7 year old step grandchild has been sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison, with eligibility for parole after 4 years and 6 months.

(Content warning: child sexual abuse)

THE COURT'S FINDINGS

The 49 year old denied the allegations, but a Kalgoorlie jury found him guilty of 3 counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13. Judge Alan Sefton subsequently sentenced him in Perth District Court.

According to the Kalgoorlie Miner's court report, published on 16 September, the man was the partner of the girl's grandmother. The child knew him as "pop".

He cannot be named because doing so could identify the victim.

The offending occurred in 2020 and 2021, while the girl was visiting his Esperance home without her mother.

THE JUDGE'S COMMENTS

The court heard he used physical force during the assaults and continued despite the child's resistance. He also told her not to tell anyone about what had happened.

Judge Sefton said the man had exploited the vulnerability of a young child who should have been safe in his care.

"Rather than caring for and protecting your young step grandchild, you betrayed her trust," he said.

The court heard the girl returned to her mother appearing "sad and broken", with continuing physical symptoms.

A victim impact statement outlined the serious and ongoing effects of the abuse on the child's physical and emotional wellbeing.

The court also heard about an earlier sexual offence conviction. The man's criminal history included a conviction for aggravated sexual penetration without consent. That offence occurred more than two decades ago, although the conviction was recorded only a few years ago.

Judge Sefton said there were no real mitigating factors and that the man had shown no remorse.

THE SENTENCE

Each of the 3 offences carried a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment. His combined sentence of 6 years and 6 months was backdated to 20 July 2026.

He will become eligible for parole after serving 4 years and 6 months.

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