“Clearly without consent, at times you would overcome resistance forcefully,” Rowe told Bullock. “You have neither remorse, nor insight. You blame the victims and the families.” In victim impact statements read to the court, the women described feeling belittled by Bullock. The pair had attended counselling sessions in an attempt to move past the abuse, but one said they felt they may never recover. “It makes me feel worthless,” her statement read. “I’ve lost my trust in people. I have ongoing fears of men and find it difficult to be at home alone at night. “I hope Shane realises the consequence of what he has done, that the effects of his actions have long-lasting consequences that I fear will affect me for the rest of my life.”
Trouble was, Maruera, 52, didn t pay for the $44.97 toys he took. Strang told the court Maruera worked six days a week for the city council as a truck driver. Judge Ian Carter said Maruera was last year given a sentence of come up if called upon within six months for similar offending. “You were given an opportunity then. It’s a sort of good behaviour bond. I’m prepared to do the same on this occasion.” So, after pleading guilty to shoplifting, Maruera was again sentenced to come up if called upon within six months, and pay Whitcoulls for the stolen toys. That means if he offends again within six months he’ll be punished for the toy theft.