A man who was already a registered sex offender when he sexually abused a teenage girl could spend almost five years in jail for his crime.
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The 22-year-old was sentenced in the County Court this week after pleading guilty to sexual penetration of a child under 16, two charges of failing to comply with his reporting obligations under the Sex Offenders Registration Act, and committing an indictable offence on bail.
The man was aware his victim was younger than 16 years old when he committed his crime against her, as she had told him her age.
The day after the crime, the man told another person what he had done.
However, when the victim reported the incident to police, the man claimed he had not known her age, he had had no physical contact with her, and he had not made admissions to another person.
At the time, he was on bail and serving a community corrections order.
He was placed on the sex offenders register for 15 years in July 2018, after he was convicted for possessing child abuse material and communicating with a child under 16.
He had also racked up three convictions for failing to comply with his reporting obligations under the Sex Offenders Registration Act by the time he committed his most recent offences.
More court news: More than 13,000 child abuse images, videos found on man's devices
Judge Chris Ryan said the fact the man was on bail and a community corrections order at the time were aggravating features of the offending.
Judge Ryan sentenced the 22-year-old to four years and 10 months' imprisonment.
He must serve at least two and a half years before he is eligible for parole.
He has already spent 284 days in custody.
He will also remain on the sex offenders register for life.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
