A HALLS Head man has been sentenced to 18 months jail for indecently touching and kissing a mentally impaired girl after his original sentence was deemed too lenient.
Kenneth Raymond Hassell, now 61, was convicted in February of two counts of indecently dealing with a child under the age of 13 but walked free after he was sentenced to a suspended 18-month prison term.
But a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions brought the matter back to the Supreme Court and Mr Hassell was given an immediate jail term for the 2012 attack despite claiming the girl "came onto" him.
Mr Hassell was at a home in Pinjarra with others including the 10-year-old victim and told the court he had "stayed up all night drinking".
The next day Mr Hassell cornered the young girl as she fixed her hair in the mirror, forcing her into a nearby bedroom and kissing her on her head and lips.
Despite telling Mr Hassell she was scared and uncomfortable, Mr Hassell made another advancement on the young girl as she played with other children present at the home.
He pulled her into a bedroom, sexually assaulted her and threatened her before the girl ran to her mother where, due to fear and her developmental difficulties, had to use hand signals to explain what happened.
Mr Hassell later told police in a video interview he was "plastered" and that he did not think he "would have done it".
The court established Mr Hassell had a "long-term problem with alcohol abuse" and a prior conviction of indecent assault after he was convicted of indecently touching a 26-year-old woman while she was asleep in her bed.
District Court judge Christopher Stevenson said Mr Hassell was not remorseful for his actions but avoided a jail term at his February appearance.
On Wednesday, Mr Hassell was jailed immediately after the successful appeal.
He was made eligible for parole, meaning he could be released by the end of May 2015.
If you or anyone you know needs assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
