PRESS RELEASE

Sex Offender Abuses Vulnerable Children

Today in the Auckland High Court a man was found guilty of 19 charges pertaining to sex with underage girls, aged between 12 and 16 years. The jury found him not guilty on supply of drugs.

The offender pleaded not guilty to charges of underage sex and supply restricted drugs, saying he was merely befriending young girls in need and caring for them. He denied the charges and said he could not recall many of the instances that his victim revealed during the trial that commenced on 13 August. The sentencing will take place on 23 October in the Auckland High Court.

ECPAT Child ALERT’s Youth Advisor Faith Aaron applauds the finding by the jury. “This is a serious case where the offending happened over a lengthy period of time.” says Aaron. “These girls were already vulnerable and living a harsh life on the streets of Auckland and have been taken advantage of by the offender. Because they were needy, he was able to offer them incentives such as alcohol, drugs, shelter and money in exchange for them providing sexual services in return.”

The offender’s name has been suppressed until the time of sentencing.

ECPAT Child ALERT is a child protection agency working to prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

ENDS

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