'Bear hugging' navy officer sentenced

A Royal New Zealand Navy petty officer who bear hugged a 19-year-old student sailor in her bedroom has been sentenced to six months' forfeiture of seniority, a $300 fine and $500 compensation for the complainant, a court-martial in Auckland heard today.

Bill Waa, 44, pleaded guilty to common assault and doing an act likely to prejudice service discipline.

The court-martial held at HMNZS Philomel at the Devonport Naval Base heard Waa was posted as a seamanship instructor to HMNZS Olphert, a naval reserve unit in Wellington, from April 2 to November 12, 2008.

Prosecutor Flight Lieutenant Randall Walker said that on November 2 Waa visited a 19-year-old student, who was under his instruction at Olphert, at her home.

The court heard he was uninvited and the complainant was surprised to see him.

They went into the kitchen and he asked for a coffee. The complainant was dressed in pyjamas and a dressing gown.

Waa asked to see her bedroom. She declined and showed him the lounge, but he persisted with his request and she agreed.

Waa lay on her bed and they discussed how to tie knots. She practised on her dressing gown cord, and tied a knot around her wrist.

Waa pulled on her dressing gown cord and she tried to step away. The knot tightened.

Waa tried to thread the cord through the loops and gave the complainant a bear hug which lifted her off the ground.

"As he left he went to kiss her, and she resisted his advance. She was visibly upset by these events," Flt Lt Walker told the court.

Bruce Stainton, defending Waa, said his client has two children aged 15 and 20 who were dependent on him, and another 22-year-old daughter. He joined the n avy in 1989.

The court was told that Waa has first, second and third good conduct badges, an East Timor medal, an international force East Timor medal, a long service and good conduct medal, and a New Zealand operational service medal.

Waa has a previous conviction in May 2008 for an act likely to prejudice service discipline. He was fined $130.

Several character references were given during the hearing.

Waa told the court he would be retiring voluntarily from the navy on May 29, after 19 years and 11 months service.

Waa expressed remorse for his actions, and a letter he wrote to the complainant was presented during the hearing.

"I loved every moment of my time in the service. I was a father figure to my peers and throughout my career that has continued. I have enjoyed helping those who are struggling.

"I deeply regret my actions and I would like to apologise. I'm ashamed to let the command and my colleagues down in my lack of judgement.

"I understand that the trust and confidence that the service had in me was broken on that day. I'm disappointed to be leaving in such circumstances. I know I got it wrong on that occasion and I have learnt from my experience," Waa said.

- NZPA