18 Oct 2016

Nelson man jailed for abusing 9-year-old girl

3:31 pm on 18 October 2016

A Nelson man has been sent to prison for abusing a 9-year-old girl over a decade ago, with the judge saying the victim has never fully recovered.

Judge David Ruth sentenced Richard Gay in the Nelson District Court today, to just under four years in prison on a list of charges related to the abuse of the girl about 16 years ago.

Gay denied the charges - including one of sexual violation - but was found guilty by a jury.

Judge Ruth said the vulnerability of the victim, who was isolated from her parents at the time and who should have been able to trust Gay, made matters worse.

He said she had struggled in many areas of her life, including fear of ever having a child who might one day be at risk of suffering the abuse she did.