Man, 81, jailed for child sex offences

One of New Zealand's oldest child sex offenders has been jailed for more than five years.

Donald MacDonald-Dalkeith, 81, was sentenced in Napier District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to 14 charges of unlawful sexual connection with children aged between 12-14, the Dominion Post reported.

The retired teacher and former parliamentary librarian, who had no previous convictions, lived near schools and lured one of the boys into his home while he was on his way to or from school.

This boy introduced him to a friend, who became the second victim.

He paid the boys between $5 and $20 or gave them a cigarette for sexual favours, telling them not to tell anyone.

Judge Bridget Mackintosh sentenced MacDonald-Dalkeith to five years and four months' prison.

Police national co-ordinator for adult sexual assault and child abuse, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Holden, said people older than MacDonald-Dalkeith had been convicted for historic sexual offending, but he was the oldest person convicted for recent offending "of known record".

- NZPA