A Tasmanian man who paid two vulnerable teenage girls for sex has been sentenced to two years in prison, with only eight months to be served behind bars.
Bradley Graham Paul Cate, 26, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to six charges of sexual abuse involving girls aged 15 and 16.
The offences took place between July 2022 and January 2023, when Cate was aged 22 and 23.
The court heard Cate first contacted a 16-year-old girl through social media after she posted asking to borrow money.
He offered her cash in exchange for sexual acts, which occurred twice.
The second victim, aged between 15 and 16, was introduced to him by the first girl.
Over three encounters, Cate paid her for intercourse, at times substituting the promised money with marijuana, alcohol and vapes.
Despite the girl’s requests, he refused to use condoms.
Justice Michael Brett said the second victim had experienced significant mental health problems since the offending, although he acknowledged no direct causal link could be proven.
“However, it is consistent with the experience of courts that sexual abuse of young people who are under the age of consent can result in severe and long-lasting harm,” Justice Brett said.
The court was told Cate had suffered childhood abuse and was struggling with major depression following his sister’s death.
A psychologist reported that his mental health issues had affected his judgment.
Justice Brett said Cate’s use of payment and refusal to use protection made his offending more serious.
“The primary sentencing considerations in relation to crimes such as this are general deterrence, denunciation and vindication of the victims,” he said.
Cate’s early guilty plea spared the victims from giving evidence at trial.
He must serve eight months before the remainder of his sentence is suspended for 12 months.
He will be subject to 18 months of probation and required to undergo drug, alcohol and mental health treatment.
His name will remain on the sex offender register for five years.
Sexual assault support services:
Sexual Assault Support Service (Tasmania): 1800 697 877
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
Other helplines:
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Tasmania’s Victims of Crime Service: 1300 300 238
