July 04, 2008

Man denies sex offending as jail term begins

Cycle racer Aaron Herewini has gone to jail for four-and-a-half years still denying the sexual violation and indecent assault of a 12-year-old girl.

The 37-year-old sickness beneficiary was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court today after being found guilty in a jury trial.

Crown prosecutor Andrew McRae told the court the jury’s verdict indicated the frequency of Herewini’s conduct had been proved.

Defence counsel Allister Davis said he was asked by Herewini to reiterate in court that he had to accept the jury’s verdict but he was innocent. He was acquitted by the jury of a more serious charge.

He said Herewini, who has no previous convictions, was well thought of, a hard worker, and had made something of himself even though he could not read nor write.

He knew he would not receive credit because there was no early guilty plea and no remorse, and that he would go to prison and do his time.

Judge Garry MacAskill said the offending had occurred in mid-Canterbury. “This offending has caused serious emotional harm and no doubt will continue to do so for some time.”

He said Herewini was assessed as being not a serious risk of further offending.

The pre-sentence report described Herewini – who was crying in court – as being an emotional man who was naïve and innocent. He had been profoundly affected by being held in prison on remand.

The judge referred to Herewini as “one of New Zealand’s top cyclists”. He noted that he did not accept the jury’s verdict and had expressed no responsibility nor remorse.