A predator finally exposed by his brave young victims has been jailed for more than five years after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences against girls.
Manase Muimui Folau Uaisale, 33, was sentenced in the Napier District Court today to five years and five months’ imprisonment after a jury found him guilty on 12 charges relating to sexual offending and indecent assault.
Police arrested Uaisele after confirming he had victimised five students during his time working as a teacher aide at Te Whai Hiringa School in Hastings, formerly known as Peterhead School.
He also worked as a youth worker at the YMCA and assaulted a child there.
Uaisele’s sentencing covered 12 charges, including committing an indecent act on a child, committing an indecent act on a young person, and engaging in sexual connection with a young person, Stuff reported.
“His first victim, now aged in her mid-20s, wept as she told Uaisale she had just started high school and was a happy child when he abused her,” it said.
Uaisale groomed his first victim by giving her gifts and promising marriage, a pattern she now recognises as manipulation and abuse by a dangerous man.
In her statement, she expressed deep guilt for the girls who were abused after her, explaining that her delay in reporting was due to fear, not negligence, as she was just a child without protection or support, the NZ Herald reported.
Uaisele had also pleaded guilty to sexual offending that occurred in 2015 when he was a church mentor and youth leader. Uaisale’s six victims were aged between 11 and 14 at the time of his offending.
His offending occurred at the school, in a church bathroom and while travelling to a religious association.
The Herald also reported that Judge Russell Collins praised the courage of the now‑adult woman who came forward, as well as the other girls who provided victim impact statements to the court.
Standing Up Takes Courage
Hastings Child Protection Supervisor, Detective Sergeant Kate Hyde, said police acknowledge today’s sentencing and commended the bravery of the young victims who came forward.
“It takes a great deal of courage to come forward and stand up to your abuser,” Detective Sergeant Hyde said.
“These brave actions of the victims have not only led to holding Uaisele to account but may have also protected other children from suffering how they did.”
She said the victims and their families had shown remarkable strength throughout the investigation, working closely with officers over what was an extremely difficult process.
“While this sentence does not change the damage that Uaisele has caused, Police hope the victims are able to find some closure in this outcome to hopefully help during their healing process,” she said.
Detective Sergeant Hyde said the court outcome concludes the case, but police remain open to receiving further information.
“This matter has now been concluded in court; however, Police will take further complaints should any other victims come forward.”
Police continue to encourage anyone affected by sexual harm to seek support and report offending.
