R v L - [2026] NZHC 2828

Sentencing of Mr L for 34 serious violent and sexual offending. Victims of the offending included Mr L's children, his stepchild and former partner. Aggravating factors include a significant breach of trust, victim vulnerability, a climate of control, use of object for sexual offending, victim harm, and cruelty.

Held: Sentence of preventive detention imposed. Minimum period of eight years' imprisonment. Considerable history of sexual and violent history showing a pattern of serious offending. Expert reports indicate a tendency to commit serious violence offences in the future. Absence of failure to address the cause of the offending. Not satisfied Mr L will engage in rehabilitation.