Long sentence likely for double child-sex attack

A child-sex offender caught by a community patroller is facing a long prison sentence after being found guilty of sexually abusing two young girls.

Napier man Richard Miller, 46, was found guilty in the High Court at Napier on six charges, relating to girls aged 6 and 10.

A jury yesterday found him guilty of committing an indecent act on the six-year-old in a car at Nelson Park on September 19.

He and the girl were seen in the car by volunteer community patroller Brooke Ibbotson, who followed it back to the girl's house.

Unemployed Miller, who frequently took the girl to and from school, was charged with committing an indecent act and an alternate charge of attempted rape.

The nature of the allegations triggered police to reopen claims of sexual abuse made against Miller in 1990 by a girl aged 10. Miller was her babysitter. The woman, now 29, made allegations at the time, and again in 2001. In both instances there was deemed to be insufficient evidence.

Similarities with the latest case meant charges were combined.

As well as the offending against the six-year-old he was found guilty of five charges, including two of rape, against the 10-year-old girl in 1990. He was found not guilty of attempting to rape the six-year-old.

Justice Forrest Miller told him a "lengthy sentence of imprisonment is inevitable". Miller will be held in custody till sentencing on December 8.

The 29-year-old and the six- year-old's mother whispered "Yes" as each verdict was read out.

As Miller was led away, someone yelled out, "Rot in hell." Miller responded by simulating a firing pistol with his hand.

Detective Constable Phil Sayers said it was a great relief to have resolved an 18-year-old crime. "It could only have been done thanks to the evidence and bravery of [the six-year-old]."

Mr Ibbotson said he was "absolutely delighted" with the verdicts. "This really shows that people have to get involved. If you see something that you're not sure about, please report it.

"I had a gut feeling about this when I saw it. The defence lawyer challenged that . . . but I knew what I saw."

The mother of the younger victim said she was happy that Miller was off the street. She said her daughter "has been very brave dealing with this. It has been really hard on her and I'm very proud of how she's coped.

"Giving evidence was gruelling and she was quite a mess afterwards."