A former Wellington GP has been sentenced to 10 months' home detention after admitting to sexual offences against young boys.
Jared Cook appeared for sentencing in the Wellington District Court yesterday.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of indecent acts on boys aged 12 to 16, making intimate visual recordings, and possessing objectionable material.
The offending took place over a six-and-a-half-year period while Cook was working as a GP. None of the charges he pleaded guilty to related to offending at his workplace.
According to Open Justice, the court heard that Cook inappropriately touched the boys after befriending their families between 2014 and 2020.
The touching would occur over their clothing and bedding while at his home.
A camera was found by police in his bathroom and included footage of three males, one of whom has never been identified, changing, showering, and using the toilet.
Several objectionable publications were found at his home, including males involved in sexual poses.
Police today acknowledged his sentencing, saying investigators work closely with the victims, their families, and the Medical Council of New Zealand.
"The strength and bravery from the victims who came forward to assist in the prosecution of this offender cannot be overstated," Detective David Payne said.
"We know it can be incredibly difficult, and at times distressing, to report or talk about incidents of this nature.
"We would like to reassure any victims of sexual offending that we take these matters seriously, have support available, and work tirelessly to hold offenders to account."
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