Stepdad jailed for rape

A CAIRNS stepfather found guilty at trial of raping his stepdaughter, as well as sexually abusing her numerous times over a five-year period from between the ages of seven and 12, has been sentenced.

The man, who cannot be identified as it would identify his victim, was found guilty at trial in the Cairns District Court in August 2021 of four counts of rape, numerous indecent treatment charges, one count of attempting to procure a child under 12 to commit an indecent act, and one count of maintaining a relationship with a child under the age of 16.

Judge Dean Morzone QC sentenced him to nine years imprisonment, with a parole eligibility date of September 27, 2026.

Crown prosecutor Aaron Dunkerton told the court the man had shown no remorse or insight into his offending, had taken the matters to trial, and the offending had a significant impact upon the young girl.

The court heard the abuse continued after the girl’s mother and stepfather separated, at times when he would babysit her and other children.

The girl’s mother read her daughter’s victim impact statement to the court.

She explained how life with her stepdad as part of the family was “the scariest times of my life”.

She recalled how she would hold her breath and close her eyes and pretend the abuse was not real.

“For years I would secretly endure this treatment from you … for years I would pretend I was not there, present in those moments when you would enter my room.”

The girl’s mother woke one evening in October 2019, to find the man in one of the girl’s bedrooms.

The court heard that when she asked what he was doing, the man said: “What do you think, I’m touching the girls?”

It was the next morning that the victim made disclosures to her mother and was taken to police.

Judge Morzone said the community had learned over the years of the serious impacts sexual abuse had.

“She has through her own words personified that, which I hope has made an impact upon you as you understand the consequences of your behaviour,” he said. Outwardly, the man made no acknowledgment of what Judge Morzone said.

His current partner and family were in court to support him.

The court heard the man had numerous prior convictions for domestic violence offending and had shown disrespect for the law through breaches of court orders, community service orders, and domestic violence orders.

He will be eligible for parole after serving five-and-ahalf years, taking into account 310 days already spent in custody.