Raped child has anxiety

A YOUNG Gold Coast girl has been left with anxiety and trust issues after she was raped by a family member last year, a court has heard.

A male teenage relative, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of rape in the Southport Magistrates Court.

The court heard in January 2017 the teen took the then four-year-old to a garage while at a family gathering, asked if he could play with her private parts and then touched her.

The court heard the girl told him to stop and that the teen initially denied any wrongdoing when the child told her mother and he was confronted.

When challenged by family members, Mr Mitchell said the man admitted to touching the child and apologised.

When interviewed by police the girl would not provide them with details. The court heard the facts of the matter came from the offender.

“There were no physical injuries to the child, but she has suffered anxiety and has difficulties trusting men,” Mr Mitchell said.

Mr Mitchell submitted the man should receive at least a three year custodial sentence.

The man’s legal aid lawyer said he was not an Australian citizen and would be deported to New Zealand if given a prison sentence. Judge Paul Smith adjourned the matter until Friday September 21.