Sentencing in one of worst and most complex Operation Hope cases

The sentencing of a 78 year old Manawatu man this afternoon for historic sexual offending was one of the worst and most complex cases of Operation Hope, a Wellington Police District operation set up to manage a large volume of uninvestigated reports of child abuse.

The man, who has name suppression to protect the identities of his seven victims, was found guilty on 21 charges, including rape, sexual violation, child cruelty and injuring with intent, following a trial at Palmerston North District Court in October last year.

Head of the Wellington District Child Protection Team (D-CPT) Detective Senior Sergeant Tusha Penny says today's sentencing is a culmination of two years of investigative work by a team of dedicated, tenacious and professional detectives.

"I want today's sentencing to send a clear message to all communities across New Zealand that adult victims of historic sexual offending can come forward and can make a complaint to the New Zealand Police and know that it will be fully investigated."

DSS Penny says victims of child abuse do not need to fear. They will be listened to and their complaints will be dealt with appropriately.

"Since Operation Hope was launched in December 2008, we have moved ahead in leaps and bounds when it comes to the investigation of child abuse. We now have a dedicated Wellington District team of close to 30 investigators, working with multi agencies, to protect the most vulnerable members of our community."

Tusha Penny says this should give communities the confidence to come forward and report child abuse whenever it occurred or where it may be suspected.

Later this year, the Wellington Police D-CPT will relocate to purpose-built premises in Petone, which will also house Child, Youth and Family and Hutt Valley District Health Board staff. Police firmly believe a joint partnership with agencies in this sector and the community is the best way to deal with child abuse investigations