The family of six-year-old girl sexually abused by a drug-affected teenager have reportedly forgiven him.
The teenager, then 16, carried out the attack in early 2015 while he was babysitting the young girl, reports Christchurch Court News.
Once she spoke up about the offending, he immediately handed himself in and apologised. He pleaded guilty to rape and sexual violation in the Youth Court and was reportedly a model prisoner - but in March failed to show up for judicial monitoring while on leave, and his case was transferred to an adult court.
He was sentenced to two years in prison, with the opportunity to apply for home detention if a suitable spot come up.
During sentencing, the judge outlined the teenager's troubled upbringing. Both his parents did time behind bars, his mother was an alcoholic and he suffered abuse while in care.
The teen had no record of sexually abusive behaviour, and medical assessments provided to the court suggested the one-off incident was a direct result of cannabis use.
In their victim impact statements, the girl's family said they hoped he could get the help he needs.
"They are incredibly generous statements, despite the pain that this whanau feels," the judge said.
He was given a discount on his sentence because of his remorse, young age, guilty plea and that he'd already done time as a youth.
His name suppression was continued.
Newshub.
