‘Happy to be deported’

Press, 24 February 1987, Page 4

‘Happy to be deported’

A man convicted of committing incest with his half-sister would be “only too happy” to be deported back to the Netherlands, said counsel (Mr J. J. Brandts-Giesen), in the District Court yesterday.

Since his arrival in New Zealand just over two weeks ago his client had already spent seven days in prison, he said. The accused, aged 25, admitted the offending, which took place between February 11 and 17. He was remanded in custody by Judge Pain for sentence today.

The accused came to New Zealand from the Netherlands to visit his natural father who he last met in the Netherlands five years ago, said Ser-

geant G. C. Jones. Before arriving here the defendant had not known of his half-sister, with whom a close relationship had developed. Against the wishes of the parents the pair slept together and sex took place.

Both were aware of their blood relationship, but said they were in love, and were not aware they were committing an offence, said Sergeant Jones.

The defendant was in New Zealand on a threemonth visa. If convicted deportation was sought, said Sergeant Jones.

Mr Brandts-Giesen said his client lost his mother when he was three and was placed in a foster

home. He had no further contact with his father until he was 18. Once he arrived in Christchurch his client became attracted to the girl, whom he did not know as his half-sister. Neither of them were aware that what they were doing, by mutual consent, constituted a criminal offence in New , Zealand, said Mr BrandtsGiesen.

While there was a blood relationship the pair were virtually strangers to each other.

The accused could not speak English and when he first appeared in court last week an interpreter had to be called in. He was assigned Mr Brandts-Giesen because he is fluent in Dutch.