Key Takeaways
- A man, Rutherford, was convicted of a sex offence and sentenced to six months’ home detention and one year of special conditions.
- The victim, Claire, received a letter from Rutherford offering her $5000 to drop the case, which she found to be a disturbing and insincere attempt to avoid accountability.
- Rutherford’s letter revealed his guilt and desperation to avoid punishment, while also showing a lack of concern for the impact of his actions on Claire and her family.
- The case has raised concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases and the potential for perpetrators to continue working with vulnerable individuals while awaiting trial.
- Claire has spoken out about the experience, highlighting the need for greater support and protection for victims of sexual assault.
Introduction to the Case
The case of Rutherford, a man who was convicted of a sex offence, has brought to light a disturbing example of a perpetrator attempting to avoid accountability and manipulate the victim. The victim, Claire, received a letter from Rutherford offering her $5000 to drop the case, which she found to be a disturbing and insincere attempt to avoid punishment. The letter revealed Rutherford’s guilt and desperation to avoid punishment, while also showing a lack of concern for the impact of his actions on Claire and her family.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The incident occurred in August 2023, when Claire travelled to Auckland for a friend’s birthday. After going to bed, she awoke to Rutherford holding her down and indecently assaulting her. Claire reported the incident to the police, and Rutherford was later arrested and charged. However, in a shocking turn of events, Rutherford sent Claire a letter offering her $5000 to drop the case. The letter left Claire shaking, sickened, and "totally disgusted". She felt that Rutherford’s apology was not genuine, and that he was only trying to avoid being held accountable for his actions.
The Letter and Its Contents
The letter sent by Rutherford to Claire was a disturbing example of a perpetrator attempting to manipulate and intimidate a victim. In the letter, Rutherford acknowledged his guilt and offered Claire $5000 to drop the case. He also pointed out that he could spend up to seven years in jail, and that she had the option to use the letter as evidence against him. However, Rutherford’s tone was not one of remorse or apology, but rather one of desperation and self-pity. He wrote that he had suffered as a result of the incident, and that he was willing to do whatever it took to avoid punishment.
The Consequences of Rutherford’s Actions
Rutherford’s actions had severe consequences for both himself and Claire. He was arrested for attempting to pervert the course of justice, and later pleaded guilty to the sex offence. He was sentenced to six months’ home detention and one year of special conditions. However, Rutherford is now appealing his sentence and conviction. Claire, on the other hand, suffered emotionally and financially as a result of the incident. She lost her jobs and felt unsafe in her daily life. She also felt frustrated and angry that Rutherford was able to continue working with vulnerable individuals while awaiting trial.
The Response of Emerge Aotearoa
Emerge Aotearoa, the organization where Rutherford worked, has faced criticism for allowing him to continue working with vulnerable individuals while awaiting trial. The organization’s national director, Gemma Bateman, confirmed that Rutherford was no longer an employee, but could not comment further due to privacy reasons. However, Bateman stated that all support workers at Emerge Aotearoa are required to undergo regular police vetting, and that employees are bound by employment obligations, including the requirement to disclose relevant criminal offending and related charges.
Conclusion and Reflection
The case of Rutherford and Claire highlights the need for greater support and protection for victims of sexual assault. It also raises concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases and the potential for perpetrators to continue working with vulnerable individuals while awaiting trial. Claire’s bravery in speaking out about her experience has brought attention to these issues, and it is hoped that her story will lead to positive change and greater accountability for perpetrators of sexual assault.
