Key Takeaways:
- Jared Cook, a former GP, has been sentenced to 10 months’ home detention for indecent acts on young people and possession of objectionable publications.
- The victims and their families have spoken out about the ongoing impact of the offending, including feelings of betrayal, breach of trust, and difficulty sleeping.
- Cook’s remorse and commitment to treatment have been questioned by the Crown, but his lawyer argues that he has shown insight and is committed to rehabilitation.
- Cook has been ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment and counselling, and to pay $15,000 to three of his victims.
- He has also been placed on the sex offenders register and is subject to strict conditions, including not being able to contact his victims or be in the presence of anyone under 16 without permission.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Jared Cook, a former GP, has been a disturbing one, with allegations of indecent acts on young people and possession of objectionable publications. The court has heard that the touching happened over clothing and bedding, and often at Cook’s home, with a camera found in his bathroom containing footage of three males changing, showering, and toileting. The victims and their families have spoken out about the ongoing impact of the offending, with many expressing feelings of betrayal, breach of trust, and difficulty sleeping.
The Impact on the Victims
The victim impact statements read out in court were a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of Cook’s actions. Many of the victims spoke of how the experience had changed them, leaving them with a deep distrust of people. They also expressed fear of hidden cameras and difficulty sleeping, with one victim stating that it was "something I will remember forever, as much as I try to forget." The parents of the victims also spoke of the guilt they felt over what had happened, with one stating that "to have the innocence of our boys taken away and our trust broken will stay with us forever."
The Question of Remorse
The question of Cook’s remorse has been a contentious issue in the case. The Crown has expressed skepticism about Cook’s commitment to treatment and his willingness to make amends, pointing to a letter from a psychiatrist that talked about the potential damage to one boy, and asking "which boy? We know of at least four." The Crown has also highlighted that Cook had not been residing at his bail address, and had instead been living on his boat in the Marlborough Sounds without permission. However, Cook’s lawyer, Christopher Stevenson, has argued that his client has shown insight and remorse, and is committed to an ongoing process of rehabilitation.
The Sentencing
In sentencing Cook to 10 months’ home detention, Judge Bruce Davidson noted that the Crown was very suspicious and doubtful of Cook’s remorse and commitment to treatment. However, he also acknowledged that Cook had pleaded guilty and had provided some evidence of his remorse and willingness to seek treatment. The judge imposed strict conditions on Cook, including that he was not to contact his victims or be in the presence of anyone under the age of 16 without the permission of a probation officer. Cook was also ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment and counselling, attend a Wellstop assessment, and not to use electronic devices except those approved by a probation officer.
The Consequences for Cook
The consequences for Cook have been severe, with the former GP losing his practising certificate and facing significant damage to his professional and social reputation. The Medical Council of NZ has confirmed that Cook has not held a practising certificate since March 2021, and his future employment prospects are not good. Cook has also been ordered to pay $15,000 to three of his victims, and his name has been placed on the sex offenders register. The strict conditions imposed on Cook will also limit his freedom and ability to interact with others, particularly children.
Conclusion
The case of Jared Cook is a disturbing reminder of the devastating effects of indecent acts on young people and the importance of holding offenders accountable. The victims and their families have shown remarkable courage in speaking out about their experiences, and it is hoped that the sentence imposed on Cook will provide some measure of justice and closure. However, the case also highlights the need for ongoing support and treatment for offenders, to prevent further harm and to help them understand the impact of their actions.
