Rangiora man sentenced to intensive supervision after luring seven-year-old with lolly

Terence Rawson plead guilty in August, and has been sentenced to intensive supervision.

A 57-year-old Rangiora man who lured a seven-year-old at a Central Otago holiday programme with a lolly has been sentenced to intensive supervision.

Terence Rawson appeared in the Dunedin District Court via video link from Christchurch this afternoon.

He pleaded guilty to assault in August, after originally denying a charge of indecent assault in February.

The court heard Rawson approached the young girl in January while she was at a holiday programme in Alexandra.

He sat beside her and gave her a lolly before asking personal questions.

Rawson then touched her right thigh, grabbed her ankle to inspect a scab, and convinced her to leave with him.

A teacher who had spotted him on the school grounds a day earlier called out to the girl, who made her way back safely.

Rawson was later caught behind a shed spying on a group of children playing basketball.

Crown prosecutor Robin Bates and defence counsel James Rapley both sought intensive supervision.

This was granted by Judge Michael Crosbie, who sentenced him to 12 months intensive supervision, and court costs of $130.