Teen did sex acts with sister. 11

A 17-year-old, who committed his first sexual violation at age 11, has been sentenced for the same crime against his 11-year-old sister.

The Invercargill man, granted final name suppression, appeared before Judge Kevin Phillips in the Invercargill District Court yesterday for sentence on one charge of sexual violation and two of performing an indecent act on a child, between March 1 and September 19, 2007.

Judge Phillips said the man continued to perform the acts, despite his sister complaining about the pain.

As a result the girl suffered from low self-esteem, required counselling and struggled to trust people, he said.

"She has been put through what could only be described as a hellish period in her life, all because of you," he said.

"You say you want to forget the offending ever occurred. The people you abused will never forget it so why should you?"

The man had previously escaped conviction for sexual violation because of his age, Judge Phillips said.

Because of the man's age and his apparent willingness to improve his life, Judge Phillips decided jail was not appropriate.

He sentenced the man to four months' community detention, 24 months intensive supervision and 200 hours' community work.

- © Fairfax NZ News