Rapist's polygraph extends distress

• Published date: 20 September 2021
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times: Web Edition Articles (New Zealand)

A Dunedin rapist who convinced prison heads to allow a Christchurch company to conduct a polygraph test behind bars, has prompted a please-explain from the minister.

The sex offender, who has permanent name suppression, serving nearly 15 years' imprisonment at the Otago Corrections Facility, underwent the polygraph test at the jail in April and four months later the results were anonymously delivered to the horrified family of his victim.

Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said it was "completely unacceptable" and acknowledged the episode would have been "understandably traumatising".

"I have asked for an explanation on how this has occurred. It is my understanding that lie-detector tests are not used by Corrections for any purpose and I have also asked for further information about what circumstances, if any, they would be available to prisoners."

The company which administered the lie-detector test claimed it was a first in a New Zealand prison, although Corrections was unable to confirm that.

Appeals

For Julia* it was the latest debilitating blow in the three and a-half years since her ex-partner was convicted of repeatedly violating her teenage daughter.

"Being mentally drained every day is exhausting. I'm always tired yet I can't sleep properly because I close my eyes and my mind can't stop seeing it," she said.

After a Dunedin District Court trial in May 2018, the man was found guilty of three charges of rape, four of sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection and one of indecent assault — continual attacks over four nightmarish years.

It started on the night of the victim's 11th birthday and the jury heard about a sickening array of sex acts as well as highly disturbing behaviour by the stepfather.

"He sometimes would just come into my room at night and just grope me and leave without saying anything," she said at the trial.

"He would sometimes just sit on the end of my bed and stare at me. He wouldn't say anything, he'd just stare."

The man was also described as a dominating and controlling figure, prone to angry outbursts, abusive language and violence.

Julia was petrified of him and was oblivious of the sexual assaults.

"He built a life of fear," she said.

"I couldn't get out and I didn't know how to reach out for help. I was scared he would kill us if we left."

It was the evidence of the man's aggressive persona that formed the basis of his first appeal in May 2019; the first time Julia's wounds were reopened.

"I just burst into tears [on...