A disgraced former Team New Zealand member has been jailed for a second time on sex charges involving teenage girls.
Aran John Hansen, who was involved in Team New Zealand's successful America's Cup challenge in 1995, was sentenced in the Manukau District Court yesterday to 18 months' imprisonment on sex and
drugs charges.
Hansen has a long list of yachting victories, including three world titles, but also hit headlines for helping rescue the crew of OneAustralia when their yacht sank off San Diego.
Yesterday, he stood quietly in the dock as he was sentenced on five charges of inducing an indecent act, three of indecent assault, four of supplying cannabis, one of possessing cannabis, two of allowing methamphetamine to be used in his house, and one each of possessing objectionable material, possessing a pistol and possessing explosives.
The offences, involving five girls aged between 14 and 16, were committed early this year - just months after Hansen had completed a two-year sentence for the sexual violation and indecent assault of an underage girl.
Defence lawyer Stuart Grieve said Hansen, a drainlayer who was about to turn 40, admitted taking the girls to his East Tamaki home and giving them cannabis and cash in return for sexual gratification.
Mr Grieve told Judge Charles Blackie the girls were prostitutes who had not suffered any emotional harm, and no breach of trust was involved.
"Had these girls been over 16 then the sexual activity would not have been criminal at all and they would have been willing participants in it," Mr Grieve said.
The offences were reported only when two of the girls stole Hansen's car on September 15 and were later questioned by police.
When his home was searched, police found a colt .45 pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition, which Hansen said he had for target practice.
He was relieved the offences had come to light because he could now get help, Mr Grieve said.
Judge Blackie told Hansen that his victims were young, gullible and naive girls, whose age meant they had special protection under the law.
He sentenced Hansen to 18 months' jail on the sex charges, 18 months for supplying cannabis, one month for possessing cannabis and three months for possessing the pistol and ammunition. All terms are concurrent.
