Man admits raping daughter

File photo / NZ Herald

A man who twice raped his teenage daughter and committed other sexual offences against two stepdaughters has been jailed for 11 years.

The 46-year-old, who has name suppression to protect his victims, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Gisborne District Court as his trial was about to begin.

Judge Philip Connell said the first rape occurred in December 2009 and the second on New Year's Day, 2010.

Crown prosecutor Steve Manning said the daughter suffered physical harm and emotional damage.

Defence counsel Scott Jefferson said his client had no previous convictions in the adult court and had a difficult upbringing involving "harrowing'' sexual abuse.

But his background was "a double-edged sword'' - because he had endured abuse, he must have known the effects of his offending on others, Mr Jefferson said.

The complainants were in court for yesterday's sentencing.

Judge Connell said some account had to be taken of the father's upbringing but "above all else, you knew what you were doing was wrong''.