A former New South Wales Police officer found guilty of sexually assaulting his teenage stepdaughter will appeal his conviction.

Warning: This story contains details that readers may find distressing.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video link for sentencing in Coffs Harbour Local Court on Thursday.

He was found guilty of masturbating in the presence of his stepdaughter, then 13, and attempting to spy on her while she showered.

Judge Jeff Linden handed down an 18-month sentence and ordered the former police officer to serve at least three months in prison before being eligible for parole, but then suspended the sentence pending the outcome of a Supreme Court appeal.

‘Serious sexual assault’

In submissions during sentencing, Crown prosecutor Sally Stuart said the accused had committed both offences while employed as a police officer living in northern NSW.

Sexual assault support lines:

Several years after becoming the stepfather of the teenage victim, the court heard the accused had masturbated while sitting on a couch next to the teenager while holding her hand.

The court heard that on a separate occasion the teenager caught the accused attempting to watch her while she was showering.

“The offender chose to sexually gratify himself at the harm of his 13-year-old step daughter,” Ms Stuart said.

“She was in her own home. He abused a position of trust and authority to commit sexual predatory offences against her.

“No penalty other than prison is appropriate to mark the seriousness of these offences.”

The former police officer was found guilty of both offences by Judge Linden in a hearing in Coffs Harbour Local Court on December 2, 2025.

The court heard the accused’s employment with NSW Police had been terminated last year.

Support for young people and families

• The Butterfly Foundation: National helpline 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT), 7 days a week 
• ReachOut Australia: Confidential online peer support for young people and online resources for wellbeing
• Headspace: Centres in each state and territory or check out eheadspace for online support
• The Kids Helpline: 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800
• Lifeline: 24-hour support for all Australians on 13 11 14

Defence solicitor Jack Tyler-Stott said a psychologist had determined the accused was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive disorder at the time.

“His mental health conditions, first time in custody and former employment as a police officer would justify finding special circumstances.” Mr Tyler-Stott said.

He said his client had been found guilty of both offences but maintained his innocence.

Judge Linden sentenced the former officer to 18 months’ imprisonment for both offences, with a non-parole period of three months.

“This is a serious sexual assault in my view,” Judge Linden said.

“There’s no doubt this has had a profound effect on the victim.”

Judge Linden immediately suspended the sentence, noting that the former officer had lodged a Supreme Court appeal over his conviction.

The Supreme Court will hold a directions hearing to progress the matter on April 7.