Judge Ema Aitken said the drug dealer's appalling upbringing should be acknowledged, but so should his ongoing risk to the teenager. Photo / File
The two chatted on Facebook and commenced a sexual relationship when she was 15.
The court heard the man supplied methamphetamine to the teen, but the role of grooming in the relationship was contested.
"Of course there is grooming in this case. There's the presence of drugs in initial contact," Crown prosecutor David Wiseman said.
"There has been significant harm to her. She speaks of the effects the drugs alone have had on her life," he added.
Judge Aitken said there was minimal grooming compared to some other local cases, where victims were supplied with cellphones and encouraged to skip school.
He continued having sex with the underage girl when he was on bail.
Judge Aitken said the man oversaw "a rather profoundly abusive and controlling relationship".
Although the teenager loved her child, she now regretted the relationship.
Judge Aitken said the 43-year-old had no decent role models when growing up with his mum and stepfather.
"Your parents were drug addicts. You endured not only an unsettled childhood but one which can be described as grossly abusive."
The judge said these traumatic aspects of the man's early life should be taken into account.
"You have no sense of community and no cultural engagement."
But Judge Aitken also said the man remained a risk to the young mother.
The dealer was also sentenced for supplying meth worth $700, and offering to supply 1812ml of the nervous system depressant known as Fantasy or GHB for $9000.
He was sentenced to four years and nine months in jail.
Judge Aitken said the 43-year was slowly developing some insights about why his offending was wrong.
"He certainly believed this was love. He's starting to rethink that."
Domestic violence - do you need help?
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you. • Run outside and head for where there are other people. • Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you. • Take the children with you. • Don't stop to get anything else. • If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay
Where to go for help or more information:
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz • Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz • Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and middle eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584 • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz
