Amadeo Enriquez Ballestero, 47, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday where he was jailed for two years four months over crimes against a child he met through a ‘‘buddy programme’’ more than 15 years ago.
In July 2024, the defendant was unmasked as a predator and locked up for two years for sex offences against another young boy with whom he came into contact through a school interest group.
Yesterday’s hearing completed the obliteration of the man’s reputation as a child-friendly educational entertainer, which he developed over two decades working at Tuhura Otago Museum.
The court heard that last year, while in prison, Enriquez Ballestero told a psychologist he had ‘‘attempted to integrate himself’’ into the lives of other boys, but had failed because they were not as vulnerable as his victim.
Judge David Robinson said it was notable the defendant had not disclosed the historical crimes for which he was now before the court.
The new charges — possessing objectionable publications and two of indecent assault — only came about because of his actions while locked up.
Just a couple of months after his 2024 sentencing, Enriquez Ballestero arranged for several boxes of his belongings to be collected from his Christchurch home and sent to Spain.
But Customs officials seized the packages, which contained a laptop and seven hard drives.
Analysis of the devices turned up 153 objectionable images and 10 videos, all featuring young males.
The discovery led police to a boy Enriquez Ballestero had met in 2008 through a buddy programme — a mentoring scheme for vulnerable youth.
‘‘The defendant quickly gained the trust of the victim and his ... parent and soon was able to access the victim on a weekly basis,’’ court documents said.
For nearly two years, Enriquez Ballestero would collect the boy from his school or home, take him to events and provide him with gifts.
The meetings took place at least once a week, and the victim would sometimes spend the night at the defendant’s house.
A prosecution summary revealed how Enriquez Ballestero would play movies for the boy while touching him intimately.
During the overnight stays, he also took photos of the naked victim in bed or in the bath, some when the boy was asleep.
When initially confronted by police, Enriquez Ballestero admitted parts of the relationship were inappropriate, but denied any indecent conduct.
The naked photographs were taken because the boy was ‘‘cute’’, he said.
The victim, whose statement was read at the hearing’s outset, called it ‘‘disgusting, abusive offending’’ and said he was still plagued by nightmares nearly two decades later.
He had been diagnosed with complex PTSD and swung between hyper-vigilance and exhaustion, which affected his relationships and ability to find employment.
‘‘I always feel left behind in everything in my life and that’s because of what that man did to me for two years.’’
Counsel Kirsten Gray said her client acknowledged the profound harm he had caused and felt genuine remorse.
But Judge David Robinson said a letter written by Enriquez Ballestero threw his contrition into question.
‘‘Ultimately, I’m left with the impression ... that your concern lies with your future and moving on from this, with limited regard for the victim of your offending.’’
Ms Gray put that down to the defendant’s ‘‘neurological quirks’’, but the judge remained unconvinced.
However, he accepted aspects of Enriquez Ballestero’s background explained his distorted understanding of appropriate sexual behaviour.
The court heard the defendant planned to leave the country once his sentence was served.
Because of the time he has spent in prison, Enriquez Ballestero is expected to come before the Parole Board imminently.
A reputation up in smoke
Nov 2023: Amadeo Enriquez Ballestero appears in court on sex charges relating to a teenage boy, pleads not guilty.
Feb 2024: Pleads guilty to the sex charges, also admits the possession of child-abuse material.
Jul 2024: Enriquez Ballestero is jailed for two and a-half years before the Christchurch District Court.
Sept 2024: Defendant arranges for a box of his belongings to be shipped to Spain. Customs find child-abuse material on his electronic devices.
Oct 2024: Prison term is reduced to two years after appeal to the High Court.
Jul 2025: Enriquez Ballestero tells psychologist he had targeted other boys. New charges laid by police relating to second boy.
Jan 2026: Pleads guilty to new charges.
May 2026: Jailed for two years and four months.
