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An Auckland man's sexual contact with three girls, who lied about their ages on internet adult chat-rooms, has led to a five-year jail term imposed in Christchurch District Court today.
Two of the girls were aged 15 and one was aged only 12 and was wearing her intermediate school uniform when 57-year-old Lawrence John Davidson met her on the street after the internet contact.
On-line, the girls had said their ages were 18 and 16, and Davidson had also lied about his age when he contacted them through the chat-room.
He was sentenced today after admitting three charges of having sexual connection with under-age girls, three of meeting the girls after sexual "grooming", and two of possessing objectionable images on his computer - images of two of the girls.
The offending took place in 2006 at Manukau, Orewa, North Shore, and Waitakere.
Davidson pleaded guilty to the charges last month after the Crown dropped a bid to transfer the trial to Auckland, and also dropped one charge of sexual violation by rape. His name suppression was lifted when he pleaded guilty.
Judge David Saunders said the 12-year-old had been a virgin and had had sex with Davidson after four to six weeks of grooming. He had videoed her undressed and restraints had been used on her during the sex. The girl had contemplated self-harm and suicide since the offending.
The second girl had been treated to an expensive haircut by Davidson as part of the seduction, but this had not led to any comment or investigation by the girl's parents.
"I don't meant to place blame on the complainants and their families," said the judge.
"It simply illustrates what has been in the media in recent times. There is comment that parents need to be vigilant about what their children are doing in computer chat rooms and the associations they might make in that medium."
Devices the judge described as "marital aids" had been used upon the two older girls during the sex.
Crown prosecutor Zannah Johnston had sought a minimum non-parole period for Davidson but Judge Saunders said it was not warranted. Davidson had already begun a treatment programme and was likely to the considered as a suitable candidate for the Kia Marama sex offenders' treatment programme in prison.
Defence counsel Mark Callaghan said Davidson had committed a crime of omission because he had not asked the ages of the girls. One of the complainants had indecent photographs which she had been using on her websites, and which had been deleted prior to a visit by the police.
Judge Saunders imposed a series of concurrent jail terms totalling five years. He said that would give plenty of time for Davidson to be assessed and to receive treatment.
He also directed that Davidson be kept safe from other prisoners, and told the prison escort officer at court: "It now falls on your shoulders to ensure safe transport for this man to prison."
- NZPA
