Dad pleads guilty to "attempted rape" and "indecent assault" of daughter (Wellington, New Zealand)

After more than 30 years, dad ROBERT FRANK HUDSON has finally admitted that he sexually abused his daughter.

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/woman-tells-court-her-father039s-abuse/5/19822

Woman Tells Court Of Her Father's Abuse

Saturday, 1 August, 2009 - 17:42

Wellington, Aug 1 NZPA - A woman told the High Court at Hamilton yesterday of the devastating consequences of the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her father.

Justice John Wild sentenced Robert Frank Hudson, 72, to 12 months' home detention after he had pleaded guilty to attempted rape, indecent assault and a representative charge of indecent assault.

The offending related to Hudson's daughter when she was aged 10 and 11.

The Waikato Times reported that in an unusual move, Justice Wild said he would not suppress information which would identify Hudson's victim.

The 46-year-old victim told the court about the ongoing emotional and psychological harm her father's abuse had caused.

"I have been given a life sentence and live with the knowledge that I have been abused by a person I loved and trusted," she said.

"You hurt me. No words can describe how much you hurt me."

The woman said she had suffered depression and low self esteem, and at one stage considered taking her life. Her feelings of guilt and shame were only lifted after Hudson admitted his offending in June this year.

Hudson's son also read a letter to the court, describing how he was haunted by the image of seeing his father abuse his older sister.

Defence counsel Thomas Sutcliffe said Hudson, now suffering ailing health, was remorseful for his offending and had admitted to an obsession with sex.

Justice Wild said he hoped the testimonies would give Hudson a better insight into the damage he had caused.