A FACTORY worker who repeatedly molested his young daughter over two years wept in court yesterday as he heard how she had forgiven him.
The father was jailed for three years after his counsel read out a letter from the girl, then 13, saying she wanted him back home.
The defendant, who cannot be named, admitted three sample counts of indecent assault and one of attempted incest between January 1, 1992, and April 30, 1994. But he denied 10 further counts of indecent assault and incest against the girl and her younger sister.
Passing sentence at the High Court, Deputy Judge Burrell said: 'Such conduct is abhorrent to a civilised society which places great importance and emphasis on family values and family life. The sentences . . . must reflect society's repugnance. Any sexual abuse of children, particularly your own, is inexcusable.' The judge rejected the defendant's claims he had only assaulted his daughter four or five times saying he believed the abuse happened regularly.
Prosecutor Richard Donald told how the factory worker started molesting his elder daughter when she was 13 after his marriage hit the rocks. The girl was too afraid to struggle or shout for help and pretended to be asleep when he touched her after climbing into her bed. Once she was awoken by her father stroking her. He then lay on top of her intending to have sex with her.
The history of abuse only came to light this year when the girl confided in an aunt.