A senior Mongrel Mob member has been jailed for one year and 10 months for having sex with a 12-year-old girl.
Senior Mob member Phillip Tuahine Edwards, 36, appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips for sentence on two charges of sexual connection with young persons aged between 12 and16, relating to the then 12-year-old and her 13-year-old friend as a result of an incident in Invercargill on July 18, 2006. He had earlier pleaded guilty.
The Southland Times reported the 12-year-old sent text messages to a mob member suggesting a sexual liaison. However, the phone had been borrowed by Edwards.
"You were the one texting back to her... You took that up (the suggestions of the 12-year-old)," Judge Phillips said.
Edwards picked up the girl and her 13-year-old friend, taking them to an Invercargill park. Sex was discussed on the way.
The 13-year-old removed her underwear at the park and Edwards put her on the car boot before initiating sex, the newspaper reported.
He stopped when she said "no", then turned to the younger girl, placing her on the bonnet of the car and having sex with her.
The incident came to light only when the older girl mentioned it to a school counsellor some time later.
Judge Phillips told Edwards he had responded to the younger girl's advances because "you knew she wanted sex and stepped up for your brother".
"These girls were available and you thought you had a right to have sex with them."
An appropriate starting point for sentence was two years and eight months' jail.
However, he would allow 10 months for the guilty pleas, Judge Phillips said, before sentencing Edwards to one year and 10 months' jail.
