Man jailed for sex abuse of grandson

The man became "intrigued" by his grandson's behaviour. Photo / File

A Wanganui man has been jailed for sexually abusing his grandson, who he said "intrigued" him.

The man, who has final name suppression to protect his victim, pleaded guilty to sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and indecent assault for offences committed over a six to eight-week period between 2008 and 2009.

He was convicted in Wanganui District Court and sentenced to three years and four months by Judge David Cameron.

In February 2011, the man presented himself to police to make a statement about his sexual offending, and admitting to 10-12 offences against the boy, who was aged between five and six at the time.

He told police the boy had often expressed himself in ways of a sexual nature and he became "intrigued" by his behaviour.

The boy's mother and other family were in court to watch the sentencing.

Crown prosecutor Jo Woodcock said the Crown didn't accept that the man should be given a discount off his sentence for his show of remorse, his pre-sentence report writer having noted he continued to justify and minimise his offending.

She also pointed out that there was no independent material in front of the court to show he was of good character.

The man's counsel, Mark Bullock, said the man suffered from depression at the time of offending and wasn't dealing with it. When he said he was "intrigued", he was trying to explain, not trying to minimise or justify his offending.

He was disgusted with himself and he didn't know how he got into the situation, or why he was intrigued by the boy, Mr Bullock said. No inducements or threats were made to the boy and the man accepted responsibility by telling police and pleading guilty.

He was willing to engage in programmes and didn't know what more he could do to show he was taking responsibility, Mr Bullock said.

Judge Cameron said the man had prior convictions, but they were historic and not related to sexual offending.

His pre-sentence report writer noted that he tried to justify his offending by stating it was his "duty" to teach the boy the correct sexual activities.

He was deemed at moderate risk of reoffending.

He had sent a letter of remorse to the victim's mother, and her victim impact statement indicated the whole family had been hurt and betrayed by his actions.