Jail for teen sexual assault
Naked karaoke play
A MAN who developed an “unnatural infatuation” with a 15-year-old girl groomed the teenager to play naked karaoke with him on social media.
Richard James Finch, 54, was found guilty by a jury on February 23 this year of grooming a child under 16 years with intent to procure engagement in a sexual act and two counts of sexual assault.
The Townsville District Court heard Finch groomed the girl over a year from October 1, 2017, to September 28, 2018.
Finch communicated with the 15-year-old girl via Facebook Messenger sending sexually explicit messages while encouraging her to explore and experiment with her sexuality.
The court heard Finch also encouraged the girl to participate in nude activities, including naked karaoke and “get the hippy on”.
After the girl turned 16 on September 28, 2018, Finch let her drive his car.
While they were in the car together, Finch touched the girl’s thigh and groin before kissing her.
Crown prosecutor Molly Mahlouzarides presented Judge Gregory Lynham with a victim impact statement written by the now 18-year-old girl.
“I am stronger for what happened but I can’t trust anyone ever again,” she said.
“I hope I never see him again in my dreams or real life.”
Ms Mahlouzarides said in the months after the offending in the car, Finch sent the teenager Facebook messages apologising for his behaviour.
Finch was arrested on August 7, 2019, after police raided his property. During the raid, police found 72g of marijuana.
He has spent 311 days in pre-sentence custody.
The court heard Finch had a relevant previous criminal history for indecent treatment of a child.
Defence barrister Frank Richards said his client had a “difficult upbringing” and had been diagnosed with depressive disorder. “Mr Finch was subjected to physical and sexual abuse by a sequence of stepfathers who ruined his life,” he said.
Judge Lynham told Finch he had an “unnatural infatuation” for his victim. “Your infatuation evolved to the point where you developed a sexual interest in her,” he said.
“It was clear from the victim impact statement that was provided by her that your offending upon her had ongoing detrimental effects upon her.”
Finch was sentenced to two years’ jail suspended after serving 311 days in jail for an operational period of three years.
Judge Lynham also placed Finch on a two-year probation order.
Convictions were recorded.
ONE of the region’s most respected police officers is saying goodbye to North Queensland after a monumental year helping steer the city through the unknown.
Townsville District Superintendent Glen Pointing is headed south after 15 months in the city, and was excited to lead his own region as the Capricornia District Officer.
Superintendent Pointing is best known for his role as District Disaster Co-ordinator when he led the city to safety through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Superintendent Pointing, ( pictured) who also spent two y years as the boss b at Mount Isa, is one of the city’s most respected officers and has b been the face of the police response in some of the region’s most tragic events.
He said he would always cherish his time in North Queensland, but was keen to get stuck into his new role.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to run my own district, I like those sort of smaller communities … like being a bit more community focused and having the ability to do that more effectively with a smaller population,” Supt Pointing said.
“I’ve really enjoyed doing what I can for the community here in Townsville looking at the youth crime issues, but that issue is long-term work. It’s been challenging.”
Superintendent Pointing will be in charge of the Capricornia Police District, which encompasses Gladstone, Rockhampton, and out to Emerald and other western towns.