Re VPAN

The appellants in this matter are three siblings, V, L and T. Their biological father has been convicted of sexual offences against them and a fourth child. The siblings have applied for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 2003. The appeal concerns the inadequacy of the awards made by the assessor. The appeals were allowed and higher awards were substituted. The court found that V and T had been subjected to multiple acts of sexual abuse and each was awarded the maximum of $100,000. The court found that L had been subjected to one act of sexual abuse and he was awarded the maximum of $50,000. The court found that the awards made by the assessor were manifestly inadequate. The maximum awards were substituted for those made by the assessor. The appeals were allowed and the appeals were remitted to the assessor for the making of new awards. The court directed that no part of the judgment be published so as to identify the parties.