Father abused stepkids

A GOLD Coast father who repeatedly indecently touched his two stepdaughters for almost 10 years will walk from prison in 10 months.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty in Southport District Court to nine charges of indecent treatment of a child.

Judge Brian Deveraux sentenced the man to three years prison to be suspended after he served 10 months. The prison term will be suspended for three years.

The court heard the incidents occurred between 1989 and 1997. The youngest girl was just six when the man first attacked her.

On one occasion the man tucked one of the girls into bed, before lying on top of her and simulated sex. In another incident the man kissed the younger girl on the mouth.

The pair did not make a complaint to police until 2013.

The man was not arrested until 2017 as he was living overseas.