Police believe there may be other victims of a sex offender who was sentenced to jail yesterday.
Kenneth Linwood was sent to prison during a sentencing hearing in the Christchurch District Court. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Kenneth Linwood, 61, was convicted of numerous serious historical child sexual offences earlier this year.
In the Christchurch District Court yesterday, he was jailed for eight years and 11 months.
The offending for which Linwood was sentenced related to three victims between 1981 and 1993 in Southland.
Detective Graeme King of the Invercargill CIB said his crimes had a huge impact on his victims.
"Based on enquiries carried out as part of the prosecution we believe there could be more victims from across the South Island," King said.
"Reports of historic offending are taken extremely seriously and will be dealt with sensitively by police."
Police are asking anyone who has concerns or believes they may have been the victim of similar offending to get in touch with them by calling 105, or information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)
Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Sexual Violence
Victim Support 0800 842 846
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): be 04 801 6655 - 0
Safe to talk: a 24/7 confidential helpline for survivors, support people and those with harmful sexual behaviour: 0800044334.
Abuse survivors
For male survivors -
Road Forward Trust, Wellington, contact Richard 0211181043
Better Blokes Auckland, 099902553
The Canterbury Men's Centre, 03 3776747
The Male Room, Nelson 035480403
Male Survivors, Waikato 07 8584112
Male Survivors, Otago 0211064598
For female survivors -
Help Wellington, 048016655
Help, Auckland 09 623 1296.
For urgent help: Safe To Talk 0800044334.