Dad who 'routinely anally raped' daughter jailed

Tasmanian Supreme Court Chief Justice Alan Blow sentenced the man for the persistent sexual abuse of a child on Tuesday after a Burnie jury returned a guilty verdict last week.

"[It was an] unusually dreadful case of child sexual abuse," he said.

READ MORE: Tasmanian woman returns positive COVID-19 result

"The acts of anal intercourse were painful and caused her to bleed. Your crimes were incestuous."

The man legally cannot be named as it may identify the victim.

Chief Justice Blow said the court had heard the man indecently assaulted and anally raped his daughter over several months from when she was five-years-old.

He said on one occasion the man was having anal intercourse with his daughter when his step-son walked in because he suspected the man was abusing the girl.

Chief Justice Blow said on another occasion the man touched and squeezed her vagina under a blanket in the lounge room.

He said he was "satisfied the acts of indecent assault and anal rape all took place" based on the daughter's and corroborated evidence.

READ MORE: Whiting manhunt nears sixth day as concern grows

While there were seven acts detailed during the trial Chief Justice Blow said he sentenced the man on the basis they were not isolated incidents.

"Your daughter's mental health is at risk and will be for a very long time, and possibly all her life," he said.

Chief Justice Blow said he would have reduced the sentence by "some three years" if he had pleaded guilty because those involved would have been spared from giving evidence in front of a jury.

READ MORE: Overseas arrivals barred from entering Tasmania

He recognised the man may have a problem with alcohol and "would have a lot to drink" before abusing his daughter.

The man was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment, dating back to November 19. He will be eligible for parole after eight years.

Chief Justice Blow ordered the man be placed on the community protection register for 15 years after he is released from prison.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: