A 74-year-old Northlander has admitted speaking to two pre-teenage girls in a sexual way as well as exposing himself and giving a sex toy to one of them.
John Alfred Atherton pleaded guilty in the Whangārei District Court to two charges of exposing young people to indecent materials, two of meeting young persons for sexual grooming, and one of indecent assault of a female under 12.
He appeared for sentencing yesterday and while the court was minded to sentence him to home detention, it sent him to jail for 12 months because Atherton could not secure a suitable home address.
However, Judge John McDonald granted him leave to apply for home detention if a suitable address could be obtained.
The summary of facts said Atherton spoke to two girls about male genitals, sex toys and breast development that made them feel uncomfortable and distressed.
On one occasion, he asked one of the girls whether she wanted to see something before exposing himself and during another incident, he gave a girl a sex toy.
Atherton told one of the girls: "They look nice", referring to her breasts.
He admitted to police his actions and behaviour were for his own sexual gratification.
Atherton said he knew what he did was wrong, he expressed remorse, and said he made a stupid mistake.
He began counselling for his behaviour.
His lawyer John Watson said most of the addresses checked for approval in a number of places for Atherton came within 500m of a school.
It was also revealed in court Atherton was convicted in 1966 for sexual offending against a girl between the ages of 12 and 16.
Judge McDonald said Atherton's behaviour must be viewed seriously, it was premeditated, and that he offended for the purpose of sexual gratification.
Fortunately, he said a complaint by both girls stopped Atherton's behaviour that would have long lasting effects on the pre-teenagers.
A pre sentence report recommended jail. He was given a three-strikes warning.