KEY POINTS:
A Bay of Plenty sex offender was so remorseful he turned himself into police, his lawyer told the Whakatane District Court.
James Martin Semmens, 37, of Kawerau, admitted two charges of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old girl and offered $1000 emotional harm reparation as a way of making amends when he appeared yesterday.
The court heard how Semmens had sneaked into the girl's bedroom while she was sleeping on two occasions between January 31, 2007 and April 30, 2007. He had lifted the covers and rubbed her over her bed clothes until she woke up and told him to leave.
Lawyer Rebecca Plunket said Semmens had decided to turn himself into police after attending some counselling sessions. She said police had no other evidence to charge him over this matter and no complaints had been made.
He had no prior relevant convictions.
Judge Louis Bidois gave Semmens credit for disclosing his actions to police and for being motivated to address his issues.
Despite there being no victim impact statement available, the judge said the incidents must have been "traumatic and unsettling" for the young, vulnerable girl, who Semmens had taken advantage of.
Judge Bidois ruled that prison was appropriate, but home detention could be granted in the circumstances.
Semmens was sentenced to three months home detention and 160 hours community work. He was also ordered to pay the girl $1000 emotional harm reparation.
- NZPA
