A repeat sexual offender, who molested a young child has escaped an indefinite jail term.
Traveller Daniel, 32, was sentenced in the High Court in Wellington on one charge of sexual violation and jailed for five years.
Daniel had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge at the Wellington District Court, which involved a girl aged between 5 and 6.
Traveller Daniel. Photo: RNZ
He had been in prison before for two other sexual attacks, including the rape of a 17-year-old and Justice Simon France said that record was serious and worrying.
The sentencing was transferred to the High Court to enable Preventive Detention to be considered.
Justice France said Daniel had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and doctors said he was at risk of further offending, but could benefit from intensive treatment.
He said given that Daniel could be under an extended supervision order when he is released from prison, an indefinite jail sentence was not necessary.
Justice France ordered Daniel to serve at least half the 5-year jail term before being eligible for parole.
