A FORMER tertiary teacher in the Swan Hill region has avoided jail for indecently assaulting an intellectually disabled child almost 20 years ago.
John Hopkins, 64, who now lives in Queensland, pleaded guilty in the County Court in Bendigo to the historic indecent assault committed in 2005 to 2006.
The court heard the victim, who has an intellectual disability, gave Hopkins a hot beverage in bed.
He told her to hop into bed and when she did he “put his arms around her and hugged her” before committing an indecent act over her clothes.
The court that heard he told her, “don’t tell anyone” and “they won’t believe you if you tell anyone”.
The allegations were reported to police in December 2020.
Hopkins, who was arrested in March 2021, initially called the allegations “absolute rot”.
Judge Sarah Leighfield called the victim a “particularly vulnerable” child.
She said while Hopkins’ plea was not at the earliest stage, it was “valuable” and had “saved the victim from giving evidence” in court.
Judge Leighfield said she was satisfied the plea represented an acceptance of responsibility.
She also noted a number of “aggravating features” present in some cases were lacking in Hopkins’ crime.
These were listed as the “relatively short duration”, the “lack of prior grooming” and that the offence was committed over clothes.
The court heard Hopkins had taught at SuniTAFE until 2009, when he left for health reasons.
Judge Leighfield acknowledged Hopkins’ community service including contributions to football and umpiring which he has continued in Queensland.
Hopkins was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
He will be a registered sex offender for eight years.
