Extra police were called to the Oamaru District Court buildings yesterday to deal with six people outside who were angry after a man was sentenced for abusing a 6-year-old.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, said the group was yelling, banging and kicking on court gates and fences wanting to get at the defendant.
''Police at the court attempted to move the mob of approximately six persons out of the court car park area.
''Extra police from Oamaru police station were called over to assist.''
Geordy Peter Brian Johnstone (21) stayed inside the court to wait for a police escort to his Oamaru home after he was sentenced to four months' home detention.
Sgt Woodbridge said the group was moved on after about five minutes, and some were trespassed.
A police summary of facts presented in court said Johnstone was playing with the victim on a trampoline on August 6 last year. While play-fighting, Johnstone pulled down the victim's pants and underwear exposing his bare buttocks.
Using his fingers, Johnstone tickled the victim on his buttocks.
At that moment, the victim's mother came outside looking for her son.
She confronted Johnstone who acknowledged what happened.
He told police he was not thinking at the time, but realised straight away what he was doing was not right.
He denied being sexually attracted to children, but acknowledged he needed professional help.
Yesterday, the mother of the victim told the court her family's trust in Johnstone was shattered.
''I feel violated. No-one has the right to touch my child.''
In sentencing Johnstone, who pleaded guilty to the charge in October, Judge Joanna Maze said he seemed genuinely remorseful.
She told the court and the family of the victim a sentence of four months' home detention might not seem appropriate, but was based on legislation and guidance from senior judges.
