Man Commits Indecent Acts: No Prior Record: Sentence Suspended
Summary:
Paragraphs 7 through 11 read: "Judge Graeme Hicks said the offences were at the 'lower end of the range for acts of indecency'."
"Aresti’s barrister, Robert Richter QC, said his client had “recognised the problem” and was undergoing psychological treatment."
He said Aresti was “shattered by it” and “still struggling to understand how this could’ve happened”.
"Mr Richter described Aresti as a loving husband and father who took medication for depression and anxiety and was not diagnosed as having a paedophilic future."
Judge Hicks said he took into consideration Aresti’s age, no prior convictions, “excellent” rehabilitation prospects, large number of character references, personal circumstances and guilty plea which he said demonstrated remorse.
Suspended sentence for Pascoe Vale South man over indecent acts
24 May 11 @ 07:00amby Tessa Hoffman
A PASCOE Vale South man has received a 12-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to indecent acts with a child.
Nick Onoufrios Aresti, 39, of Pascoe Vale South, pleaded guilty in the County Court last Thursday to two charges of committing an indecent act with a child under the age of 16.
Aresti was convicted and will be placed on the sex offenders’ register for 15 years. The court heard both offences against a boy aged between four and seven occurred in Aresti’s home between 2004 and 2007.
In one incident Aresti, seated on a beanbag, placed the boy on his lap to obtain sexual stimulation, and in the second he placed his hand down the boy’s pants on his underwear for the same purpose, the court was told.
In each case the boy was unwilling and the offences had a significant impact on his welfare, the court heard.
The crimes carried a maximum penalty of 10 years’ jail.
Judge Graeme Hicks said the offences were at the “lower end of the range for acts of indecency”.
Aresti’s barrister, Robert Richter QC, said his client had “recognised the problem” and was undergoing psychological treatment.
He said Aresti was “shattered by it” and “still struggling to understand how this could’ve happened”.
Mr Richter described Aresti as a loving husband and father who took medication for depression and anxiety and was not diagnosed as having a paedophilic future.
Judge Hicks said he took into consideration Aresti’s age, no prior convictions, “excellent” rehabilitation prospects, large number of character references, personal circumstances and guilty plea which he said demonstrated remorse.
Judge Hicks said the offences were not connected to Aresti’s previous role as president of the Brunswick City Soccer Club.