Sex sentence 'pathetic' says Family First NZ

File photo / Greg Bowker

Family First NZ today described as "pathetic" the sentence imposed on a 21-year-old New Plymouth man who had sex with a 12-year-old girl.

Yesterday, in New Plymouth District Court, Carl Brinton was given 12 months intensive supervision and 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.

Judge Allan Roberts said Brinton accepted responsibility for his misbehaviour and the girl said in her victim impact report that the worst part for her was her parents finding out what happened.

Family First NZ said his punishment was "pathetic" and sent a dangerous message regarding the sexual exploitation of young people.

"A punishment of a fine and some counselling has turned a very serious sexual abuse of a young girl into just an expensive episode," Family First NZ national director Bob McCoskrie said.

This case is further proof that some of the judiciary are completely out of touch with the concerns of parents and the community, he said.

"It's time the law was toughened up and judges were put on notice to send a strong message showing the community's disgust with the sexual abuse of young people."

Brinton had fines totalling $5466 remitted and replaced by 275 hours community work.

- NZPA