Thaindian News

Melbourne, Dec 2 (ANI): An indoor cricket coach and umpire, who scattered rose petals over his bed on a Valentine’s Day in order to bed a teenage girl who was a member of his club, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

The man, who was 35 at that time, slept with the 14-year-old for the first time that evening on February 14, 2003, after she came to his Townsville unit, reports News.com.au.

The defendant, who is now 43, pleaded guilty in the Townsville Magistrates Court to four counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a child under 16.

The cricket official was first introduced to girl when she joined the club at the age of 10.

Four years later, as a teenager, she started working at the centre and socialising with the accused and this is when the pair had sexual relations about four times.

The teen, who made the complaint in 2009 at 22 after confessing to her mother and friends, could not remember all of their sexual encounters but said to the police other occasions included after a Cowboys match and during her high school exams.

“There was never any manipulation, threats or coercion. This is an unusual case because the girl was aware that my client was married,” said defence barrister Justin Greggery.

He said the defendant had since lost two jobs and his wife because of the offending.

Magistrate Ross Mack accepted that the man was remorseful.

“It was a significant time ago, there was no predatory aspect to it and no resistance on the part of the complainant,” the magistrate said.

“But a 35-year-old man taking advantage of a 14-year-old girl is a very grave matter indeed,” he added. (ANI)