A child sex offender who used social media to contact his victims offered a 9-year-old girl money to have sex with him, according to a court hearing.
Michael Loye appeared in front of Judge Ida Malosi at the Whanganui District Court on Monday for sentencing on numerous charges relating to the sexual exploitation of children.
Loye had already pleaded guilty to 14 charges of possessing objectionable publications, two charges each of exposing a young person to indecent material and unlawful possession of a firearm, and one charge of sexual grooming and traveling to meet a young person.
Crown prosecutor Claire Middleton argued that no discount should be given for remorse because Loye continued to try to deflect blame onto his two victims.
Middleton said Loye’s lack of insight was concerning, and there was a clear risk that his offending would escalate as he continued to deny his sexual interest in children.
Defence lawyer Mark Winter said Loye was willing to address the issues, but it was a work in progress, and he had a lot of work to do.
Judge Malosi said that in May 2021, police searched Loye’s home and seized a laptop computer, cellphone, and three firearms, including a .22, 12-gauge shotgun, .177 rifle, and ammunition.
Loye began following his first victim, a 9-year-old girl, on Instagram in January 2020, and by May, he was asking her if she did naughty things and if she would join him in his bed.
In July, he told her he would like to see her dance in her underwear and that she should make a video dancing naked. He then offered her $100 to have sex with him.