A Northam man has been found guilty of a sexual assault charge that dates back 12 years.
The 22-year-old, who appeared in the Northam Magistrates Court on Friday, June 16, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He pleaded not guilty to six other sexual assault charges, and was acquitted of these by Magistrate Stephen Vose, because of insufficient evidence.
The man can not be named for legal reasons.
The court was told the man was 12-years-old at the time of the offence, which was committed against a four-year-old girl.
The charge was only recently brought against the man because extra evidence was made available to police
Prosecution lawyer Elizabeth Needham told the court the victim’s sister was locked out of the house and her mother was in the shower at the time the indecent assault occurred.
The offender had the capacity to know what he was doing because he shut the door and used force.
When he was interrupted by the mother he dropped to his knees, became upset and ran from the scene.
He was not puzzled or confused, which demonstrated he knew what he was doing, she said.
Mr Vose said the man had not re-offended in a similar fashion since, but it was a serious offence.
He was placed on a six-month community based order and must attend counselling for other issues.
He was also placed on a sex offender register and must regularly report to police.
Mr Vose granted the man a spent conviction order, because he was a child at the time of the offence.
The charge was only recently brought against the man because extra evidence was made available to police.
Sexual assault is defined as any sexual or sexualised act that makes a person feel uncomfortable, intimidated or frightened.
It is behaviour that a person has not invited or chosen.
If you need help, call 1800 737 732 to access counselling delivered by qualified, experienced professionals 24-hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in immediate danger always call 000.
Go to https://www.1800respect.org.au/ for more information.