19 Jun 2009

Doctor jailed for sexual assault of girls

9:48 pm on 19 June 2009

An Auckland doctor who sexually assaulted three girls under the age of 12 has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Ronald Bruce Vautier, 59, had admitted charges of indecent assault against the girls, who were aged between five and nine, more than 20 years ago.

Sentenced at the High Court in Auckland on Friday, he was denied home detention based on his level of risk to the community.

Victim impact statements from the girls were read in court, detailing what Justice Potter described as vivid and sad testimony of the effects of the offending.

In sentencing, the judge said she took into account the effects on the victims, citing their vulnerability to the manipulation of an older man.

She also considered mitigating factors, including Vautier's guilty plea, as well as testaments to his good character and service to the community.