Cleaner admits 35 sex charges

A Nelson self-employed carpet cleaner who has admitted 35 charges of serious sexual offending is likely to get preventive detention.

William Herbert Mortensen, 53, known as Bill, appeared briefly in Nelson District Court for the fourth time yesterday. He faced 130 charges of sexual offending, including 107 charges of either making, possessing or supplying objectionable publications.

The police declined to say how he was caught, but were relieved his admission would spare his victims having to face a trial.

The Crown had previously said that Mortensen’s offending had come to the attention of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Mortensen first appeared in court in January and yesterday was the first time he had entered any plea.

Crown prosecutor Mark O’Donoghue said Mortensen was an appropriate candidate for preventive detention – an indeterminate life sentence.

Judge Tom Broadmore said he was satisfied that Mortensen was likely to receive a sentence of preventive detention.

He was convicted and remanded in custody and his case transferred from the district court to the High Court for sentencing on September 25.

Judge Broadmore also ordered a psychiatric report, including input by two psychiatrists, and ordered a report on emotional harm regarding Mortensen’s victims.

Detective senior sergeant Craig Johnston, of Nelson, today said he was pleased to see Mortensen had admitted the offending because it would prevent his young victims having to go through a trial process.

‘‘We can get closure for them so they can move on,’’ Mr Johnston said.

He said that was a key focus of police child protection services.

‘‘This case clearly shows that young people and children do have a voice and we do listen and take their concerns seriously.

‘‘I’m pleased to see this case will be resolved this way,’’ Mr Johnston said.

He said it was too early to comment on any specifics in relation to the case or Mortensen himself, who was yet to be sentenced.

Mr Johnston said the police had been contacted by other people since Mortensen’s name had been made public, but they were not expecting anything more to emerge they didn’t know about.

‘‘I’m confident we have dealt with everything,’’ Mr Johnston said.

The Crown yesterday dropped the remainder of the charges Mortensen faced.