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Three News
One of
Christchurch's most well known and wealthiest socialites has been sent to
jail for three and a half years for the historic sexual abuse of a young
girl. Peter Stewart, son
of plastics magnate Sir Robertson Stewart and husband of Fasion Week founder
Pieter Stewart, has always protested his innocence and still does. 63-year-old Stewart
admits one sexual encounter with the girl which took place aboard his $45,000
per week charter yacht in Picton. He claims she was 17-years-old at the time
and had come on to him. The offending took
place in the years 1968 to 1974 when Stewart was in his 20s. The victim was
just 8-years-old when the abuse started. A statement from the
victim's family read: "Over the past 3 years this horrible situation has
devastated, disintegrated and destroyed families and extended families. This
is minor (when compared) to the fact that the victim has lived with her own
hell for most of her life." The court was told
of how the abuse was prolonged and premeditated and involved grooming, game
playing leading up to the sexual attacks. Defence counsel
Jonathan Eaton sought a reduced sentence for Stewart's blameless life since,
and the public vilification that had taken place since his conviction on five
charges of indecency, one of rape, and one of sodomy. Stewart's family
strongly believe he is innocent and an appeal of the verdict will be lodged
next week with a hearing expected in around three months. |
