A man who stole money from his employer to flee to Australia before being arrested on sex charges was jailed for 5-1/2 years today.
Mark Stephen Davy, 36, pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court to two indecency charges on a boy under 16, two of sexual violation, four of sexual conduct - all on the same boy - and one of theft.
Judge Philip Moran imposed a minimum non-parole term of 3-1/2 years.
Prosecutor Marcus Zintl said the crown wanted to adjourn the sentencing so they could consider preventive detention for Davy.
Defence counsel Tim Fournier opposed the application saying Davy had accepted full responsibility, there was only the one sex victim, Davy was willing to attend a rehabilitative programme and recognised he had an inappropriate sexual attraction to younger people.
Judge Moran refused the application.
Mr Zintl said that Davy had been a predatory and deviant offender against a young, innocent boy, and that the offending took place over six years.
The victim now felt ashamed and guilty, according to the victim impact statement.
Mr Fournier said Davy was a first offender and his attendance at the Kia Marama programme for sex offenders would significantly reduce the risk of further offending.
Judge Moran said that when the boy's mother caught Davy out, he stole $4400 from his employer and fled to Australia two days later and had to be extradited.
He said it would be up to the Parole Board to decide whether Davy could be released, or if he still posed a danger to the community. An extended supervision order could then be imposed.
Davy was ordered to pay $1850 to the victim for losses and costs he had incurred.
