Father's 'great sadness' after girl's sexual assault

Stark said he was very sorry for his actions. Photo / File

The father of a Rotorua girl who was sexually assaulted by a local engineer has told a Rotorua District Court the emotional impact on his daughter and her family has been profound.

The engineer, Mathew Graeme Stark, 28, has appeared in the Rotorua District Court and has been sentenced to eight months' home detention after he previously pleaded guilty to having sexual connection with a young person under 16 and doing an indecent act on a young person.

However, the sentence has been deferred while Stark tries to find another place to live as his home is not considered suitable.

According to the summary of facts, Stark admitted he had a sexual relationship with the girl. Stark knew the complainant had a crush on him and that his wife had spoken to her about it. He had also spoken to the complainant's father about it.

Stark indecently touched the girl and admitted that over a period of three to four weeks earlier this year he kissed and indecently touched her but they did not have sexual intercourse. He said the incidents had been initiated by the complainant but he had not stopped her. They also showered together.

Stark said he was very sorry for his actions and knew what he had done was wrong and he should have stopped. He made a voluntary appearance at the police station.

The girl's father read out a victim statement in court and spoke of the "great sadness" about what Stark had done to his daughter. He said his daughter was yet to realise how used she had been by Stark.

Stark's selfish actions had broken the wellbeing of the girl's family, her father said.

Stark's name had previously been suppressed but the father asked for name suppression to be lifted.

Stark's lawyer, Andy Schulze, said Stark accepted what he had done was criminal. He was receiving counselling through Mana Social Services.

Judge James Weir said "there is not just the emotional harm to the complainant who remains somewhat confused about this but the incredible stress and anxiety for the family".

Judge Weir said Stark was well liked and had a contribution to make.

He had been in his current job for four years and enjoyed ongoing support from his employer.