Prominent man bailed after being jailed for sex abuse

Photo / File

A former prominent national figure has been released on bail after appealing his 15-month jail sentence for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter.

The man, who has permanent name suppression to protect the identity of the victim, was sentenced in Nelson District Court this morning.

He was found guilty by a Nelson jury in May on three charges of indecently assaulting his stepdaughter.

His lawyer, Jonathan Eaton immediately appealed the conviction and sentence, and told NZPA the man was released on bail to a Nelson address.

Mr Eaton expected to hear from the Court of Appeal about a new court date within the next few weeks.

- NZPA