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Anal rape, sexual violation by digital penetration and one representative charge of indecent assault of a 12 year old Christchurch girl over 18 months in 2002 and 2003
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.
none known
Born 1962
At large in Christchurch
Sentenced to six years in July 2004
Paroled January 2009
Background
NZ Herald story here
The Christchurch Press 3rd July 2004
A young girl was grossly violated by her 42-year-old babysitter after being progressively groomed for sexual activity. First offender Jack Michael Harris was jailed for six years by Christchurch District Court Judge Stephen Erber after he admitted one count of anal rape, sexual violation by digital penetration, and a representative charge of indecent assault covering a series of indecencies. The judge said it seemed clear there was a progression in seriousness.
"It seems you were preparing her for more intrusive sex later, which in fact occurred." The girl was aged 12 to 13 at the time, and the offending _ committed by someone she got to know well as her babysitter _ covered about 18 months. It was a case calling for denunciation and deterrence, and he had to impose a sentence consistent with others passed for similar offending. Counsel Stephen Hembrow said the conduct was ended voluntarily by Harris, despite further contact with the victim, and there was no injury or overt violence other than that inherent.
Harris was very remorseful and was terrified of going to jail, having already found it difficult on remand. He was due for serious abdominal surgery. He had been socially isolated and it might that be a lack of social skills led him to offend, but his life was now on track and he had a new partner. Prosecutor Kerryn Beaton said Harris appeared to have little insight into the offending. Because of the level of indignities and the gross breach of trust, a starting point of about seven years was appropriate.