UPDATE: Mr Howard's convictions were subsequently overturned on appeal and he was granted a retrial. At the conclusion of his retrial, on 30 October 2023, he was acquitted of all charges.
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A woman who was sexually abused by her karate teacher when she was a child has described the crime as devastating, unfair and irreparable.
In April, a jury found Ballarat karate teacher Lachlan Jamieson Howard guilty of two charges of indecent acts and two charges of sexual penetration of a female student when she was aged between 11 and 14.
The survivor of the sexual abuse, who cannot be identified, emotionally read her victim impact statement to the County Court of Victoria on Thursday at Howard's pre-sentence hearing.
"He is guilty and the effects of what he did to me are devastating, unfair and irreparable," the woman said.
"To describe the emotional impact the abuse has had on me, I would say it has affected my ability to enjoy life.
"I feel so many emotions in relation to the crime. Most overwhelmingly, I feel grief for the life I could have had if I were not abused.
- Sexual abuse survivor
"Lachlan Howard picked me out, groomed me, psychologically manipulated me and sexually abused me and I don't know what it's like to experience a childhood without all of that. That's normal for me."
The woman said she felt betrayed by the karate club, her family and Howard.
"I feel bitter and resentful that I continue to suffer because of what Lachlan did to me," she said.
"I am angry at him for noticing I was vulnerable and for choosing me. I feel disgusted at the thought that a grown man would want to sexually pursue an 11-year-old.
"The abuse that Lachlan Howard inflicted upon me has created a black hole that consumes my time, intellect, energy and spirit, and leaves room for little else."
The woman said she had become estranged from her mother and suffered from nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts.
The sexual abuse started when Howard began driving the girl home from classes.
The first charge of indecent act with a child under 16 Howard was found guilty of happened when he drove the girl home and asked her sexually related questions.
Howard, now aged 47, was found guilty of putting his hands under the girl's top and touching her breasts.
His sexual behaviour escalated over time and he got the girl to perform oral sex on him.
The jury found him guilty of digital rape and engaging in oral sex with a minor while he was driving her home.
Howard was arrested in January 2017 at his Scotsburn property.
His defence barrister said Howard had a long-term involvement with the community, was a highly-regarded farm manager and was a father of two children.
She said a delay of four-and-a-half years from being charged to the pre-sentence hearing was significant and a mitigating factor.
The court was told a medical report highlighted Howard had excellent prospects of rehabilitation.
The prosecution called for a head prison sentence with a non-parole period.
Howard will be sentenced at a later date before Judge Frank Gucciardo.
Howard was remanded in custody where he has spent the past 72 days.
- Affected by this story? Call CASA on 5320 3933 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
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