The former owner of Dunedin's Captain Cook Hotel has lodged an appeal against the prison sentence imposed after admitting paying a 15-year-old girl for sex and supplying her with drugs. The High Court has confirmed the appeal has been filed
Report by eLocal
A former Dunedin hotel owner convicted of paying a 15-year-old girl for sex has appealed the prison sentence imposed earlier this month, with the High Court confirming an appeal has now been lodged.
Michael McLeod, the former owner of The Captain Cook Hotel in Dunedin, was sentenced on 15 July to two years and three months' imprisonment after admitting to contracting the minor for sexual services. He also admitted supplying methamphetamine and cannabis.
During sentencing, District Court Judge David Robinson described McLeod's conduct as "sickening and unconscionable", rejecting submissions that he should instead receive a sentence of home detention.
Details of the Offending
The court heard McLeod, who was 40 at the time of the offending, initially responded to an online advertisement that claimed to be from an 18-year-old offering sexual services.
Instead, he became involved with a third party who had allegedly coerced a 15-year-old girl into sex work by supplying her with drugs and encouraging her to sell them.
McLeod met the teenager several times over a period of approximately five months.
According to the sentencing summary:
- He picked the girl up for their first meeting in April 2023.
- During a later meeting, the pair had sex in a back room of his bar after he provided her with vodka and a vape.
- He paid her $500.
- He later communicated directly with her through Instagram after learning another individual had been involved in arranging the meetings.
- On another occasion, although they did not have sex, he supplied her with methamphetamine by lighting a pipe for her before giving her money.
Judge Robinson said McLeod continued meeting the teenager after believing she was only 16 years old and made no meaningful attempt to verify her age.
Drugs, Alcohol and Grooming
The prosecution argued the offending involved an escalating pattern of exploitation.
Prosecutor Zoe Kellam submitted there was evidence of grooming through the repeated provision of drugs, alcohol and money, creating circumstances that reduced the victim's inhibitions while maintaining the exploitative relationship.
A subsequent police search of McLeod's Dunedin home uncovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and videos of sexual activity involving the girl stored on his computer, including recordings she had sent him.
Defence Arguments
Defence lawyer Sarah Saunderson-Warner told the court McLeod believed the girl was initially an adult already involved in sex work and later expressed genuine remorse for his actions.
She said he had been struggling with methamphetamine addiction and personal issues during the offending but had since undertaken significant rehabilitation.
The defence argued that a sentence of home detention would have been appropriate, but Judge Robinson concluded that imprisonment was necessary both to hold McLeod accountable and to deter similar offending.
Appeal Confirmed
The High Court has now confirmed McLeod has formally appealed his prison sentence.
No date has yet been announced for the appeal hearing.
Source
Based on reporting by Tess Brunton, RNZ.
Original article:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/723261/former-owner-of-the-captain-cook-hotel-who-paid-minor-for-sex-appeals-prison-sentence