McKop added the victim as a friend on Snapchat on January 11, last year, and they began chatting.
During the conversation, there was a game involving McKop guessing the victim’s age. She confirmed she was 13.
McKop didn’t want to tell her his name or age but eventually told her he was in his mid-30s and told her that he wanted to be her “sugar daddy”.
He then tried to establish some rules around that; namely, meeting once a month and he would pay her and occasionally also bring her a gift.
The victim’s mother didn’t have a lot of money so the victim took a chance and agreed to meet at 3pm the next day, at a spot just out of Hamilton.
The teen walked there while McKop drove. He then messaged her telling her that he wanted to “do it” in his car but she said ‘no’ as she didn’t want to get kidnapped.
It was then agreed they would both meet in the bushes.
The victim had a blanket and laid it down for them.
McKop began kissing and touching her before doing a sexual act.
He then asked if he could have sex with her, to which she said ‘no’. He tried unsuccessfully anyway.
He paid her and they both left.
That afternoon, McKop messaged her thanking her and saying he wanted to do it again sometime.
Judge Cocurullo convicted McKop and also revoked his bail.
He was remanded in custody for sentencing in April.
Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME for nine years and been a journalist for 20.
