A repeat sexual predator has been sentenced to preventative detention and jailed for at least 5 years for luring a teenager into a car and assaulting her.
A CCTV image of Murray Robertson. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Murray Edward Thomas Robertson had a history of sexual offending dating back to the 1980s.
In 2019, the 64-year-old manipulated a young woman, begging outside a Mount Roskill supermarket, into getting into his vehicle where he assaulted her.
He pleaded guilty to four charges of unlawful sexual connection and one charge of indecent assault earlier this year.
Today in the High Court at Auckland, Justice Thomas Gault sentenced him to preventive detention and jailed him for at least 5 years.
The Crown had sought an indefinite sentence, due to the high likelihood of reoffending and risk to the community.
Crown prosecutor Sarah Murphy said Robertson had showed a clear pattern of predatory behaviour over a number of decades.
According to a victim impact statement read out in court, the young woman said the attack left her suicidal at times, and requiring ongoing counselling.
Defence laywer Louise Freyer agreed a jail sentence was appropriate, but Robertson should avoid an indefinite term and sought a discount for his age and health.
She said the Parole Board had the option to seek an extended supervision order to control his movements and monitor his activity once the minimum term had concluded.
However, Justice Gault said it was not clear whether old age or poor health would deter him from reoffending again.
He said Robertson showed a clear pattern of behaviour using "verbal manipulation and physical intimidation", sought to shift blame onto his victims and showed no remorse for his actions.