A septuagenarian found guilty of sexually abusing two pre-teen girls has been jailed for more than six years.
Antonio Metu, 79, was found guilty by a jury in Whangarei District Court on four charges of doing an indecent act, two of indecently assaulting a girl under 12, and one of sexual violation.
When he appeared for sentencing Crown prosecutor Richard Annandale said if Metu was in poor health as his lawyer submitted in her sentencing submissions, the prison system was well-equipped to take care of it.
Metu's lawyer, Kelly Ellis, said her client worked hard and was well thought-of in the community. She said Metu's not guilty pleas should not become an aggravating factor in sentencing. Metu offended when he was between the ages of 68 and 77.
Judge Duncan Harvey said, sadly, Metu did not accept blame for his offending, but he had to be held accountable.
No doubt his offending was premeditated and predatory, he said. By choosing to defend the charges, Metu added more stress on the victims.
Judge Harvey said he would not consider a minimum non-parole period of imprisonment because of Metu's age. He sentenced him to six-and-a-half years in jail on all charges.