Lennox Bunwarrie jailed for molesting girl, 7, in drunken rage

A South Hedland man who assaulted then molested a seven-year-old girl in her home while drunk last year has been jailed for more than two years. Lennox Bunwarrie, 31, appeared at South Hedland District Court last Monday charged with assault with intention to commission a crime and indecent dealings with a child under 13 years of age. In January last year he entered the victim’s home while intoxicated and used a piece of furniture to block the door, preventing her from leaving. He then punched the victim in the head, causing a one centimetre bruise before indecently touching the girl. Judge Christopher Stevenson said the incident was very serious and a terrifying experience for the victim. “There was a gross discrepancy of age and the victim had no control, was helpless and very vulnerable,” he said. “There is no justification where the seriousness of the offending can be minimised. “The defendant lacked insight into the consequences of behaviour to the victim.” Judge Stevenson said Bunwarrie needed to address his alcohol use. The defendant’s lawyer Clint Hampson said his client offered an early plea of guilty and was remorseful for his actions. “He realised what he was doing was wrong,” Mr Hampson said. “Mr Bunwarrie had a difficult and deprived upbringing where he was exposed to domestic violence and alcoholism.” The defendant had prior convictions for sexual assault. The sentence will be backdated from March 2020 with the accused eligible for parole.