RICHARD HAYNES

A man identified as Richard Haynes, aged 74, has been sentenced to a maximum of 45 years in prison for heinous acts of abuse committed against his daughter during the 1970s and 80s.

The court heard that Haynes repeatedly raped and abused his daughter, Jennifer, who was between four and 11 years old at the time.

His abuse was described by District Court Judge Sarah Huggett as "depraved and abhorrent," involving deliberate grooming, psychological manipulation, and escalating violence designed to exert control over his young victim.

Judge Huggett detailed that Haynes threatened Jennifer saying, "No one loves you, I can do what I like to you," and told her, "No one cares.

You're nothing." The court was informed that Haynes’s abuse caused his daughter to develop dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder) as a coping mechanism.

Jennifer, now 49, waived her right to anonymity and described the abuse during court proceedings, calling it "calculated and planned," indicating the profound impact on her life.

The judge emphasized that Haynes’s crimes were "profoundly disturbing and perverted," and despite his attempt to retract his guilty plea, the court accepted his guilt based on the evidence and the court records.

Judge Huggett sentenced him to 45 years with a non-parole period of 33 years, noting that Haynes will likely die in prison before his non-parole period expires in 2050.

The court also noted that Haynes’s abuse involved threats of violence against other family members and animals, maintaining complete control over his daughter.

In court, Haynes sat silently in prison greens and showed no reaction to his sentencing, avoiding eye contact with his daughter.

Jennifer expressed relief at the sentence, stating she hopes Haynes hates every minute of his imprisonment and is eager to move on with her life, including traveling.

The case highlighted the horrific nature of the abuse and the lasting psychological effects on the victim.