Man asks to change plea in stepdaughter abuse case

The sentencing of a man who attacked his five-year-old stepdaughter was adjourned today after he indicated he wanted to change his plea.

The 20-year-old Porirua man earlier pleaded guilty to wounding the girl with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

At Wellington District Court today, Judge Michael Behrens said the charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm "encompassed an acknowledgement by [the offender] that when he assaulted the girl he intended to cause her grievous bodily harm".

"In the course of the sentencing process he has said...that he in fact did not mean to cause grievous bodily harm."

An alternative charge was causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard for the safety of a person, Judge Behrens said.

The man's lawyer would need to apply to the High Court to change a plea, he said.

The man was remanded in custody to reappear for a callover on September 11.

- NZPA