R v Cudby

In the High Court of New Zealand, Wanganui Registry, the defendant, Maurice William Cudby, was sentenced for multiple counts of sexual offenses against a boy under 12 years old, including indecent assault, inducing a boy to do an indecent act, and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection. Cudby had previously been convicted for similar offenses against young girls and had served a prison sentence, during which he completed a sex offender treatment course. Despite this, he reoffended shortly after his release and continued to offend until the victim disclosed the abuse in 2011. The court considered whether to impose a sentence of preventive detention, which can only be done if the court is satisfied that the defendant is likely to commit another qualifying sexual offense if released. The court found that although Cudby had a history of sexual offending against children and had failed to benefit from previous treatment, his advanced age and the potential for an extended supervision order upon his release provided sufficient protection for society. Therefore, the court decided against preventive detention and imposed a finite sentence of 12 years imprisonment, with a minimum term of 6 years, and concurrent terms of imprisonment for the other charges. The court also noted the need for suppression orders to protect the identity of the victims and the location of the offenses.