Man avoids jail after sex with girl,12

File photo / NZ Herald

A 21-year-old New Plymouth man who had sex with a 12-year-old girl has avoided jail, but ordered to put money towards her education.

Yesterday, in New Plymouth District Court, Carl Brinton was ordered to pay $2000 towards the girl's education after he earlier pleaded guilty to having sexual connection and indecently assaulting her, the Taranaki Daily News reported.

Brinton sexually assaulted the girl in his car before she, later in the night, got into his bed where they had sexual intercourse, crown prosecutor Sam Ellis said.

The girl said in her impact statement that the worst part was her parents finding out.

Judge Allan Roberts said Brinton accepted responsibility for his misbehaviour. At the age of 12 the girl was scarcely at the point should could have understood the true implications of his offending.

He ordered Brinton undergo 275 hours' community work and 12 months intensive supervision, including alcohol and drug counselling.

He also ordered him to pay $2000 in emotional harm reparation to be placed in an education account for the girl.

- NZPA