A Moruya man has been jailed for a maximum 12 years for child sex offences against four young girls over almost 40-years.
73-year-old Peter Stewart Gourlay was found guilty on March 10 this year after a trial in Bega District Court.
The court was told the ten offences happened between 1980 – 2017 in a number of locations.
During sentencing Justice Nicole Norman SC told the Downing Centre District Court “He does not admit to the offending. He’s been in denial for decades.”
Gourlay appeared via video link from South Coast Correctional Centre dressed in prison greens.
The bespectacled offender scathed his balding head a number of times while listening on to the remarks.
“When presented with an opportunity over the years he offended. These were not strangers. They have always been known to him,” Justice Norman said.
“The offender was aged between 25 and 65 when he committed the acts.
“There will not be rehabilitation. He does not acknowledge his offending. A custodial sentence is required. He’s not coming out of jail for a while.”
Gourlay sentenced to a maximum 12 years with a non-parole period of 7 years 8 months.
He will also be placed on the Child Offenders Register for 15 years.
