Man jailed for raping daughter

A MAN who started regularly raping his 11-year-old daughter after her mother died has been sent to jail.

Judge David Reid, who said the family's story was "tragic", ordered the 36-year-old Gin Gin dad behind bars for a total of nine years.

Bundaberg District Court yesterday was told the man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his daughter, raped the girl at least 12 times between May 2008 and October 2009 while she was aged 11 and 12.

Prosecutor Julie Aylward said the offending began just a month after the girl's mother had died of breast cancer.

"Because of their distress at the loss of their mother, the (victim and her brother) would ask to sleep with the father and that's when this all began," she said.

"She was obviously turning to her father for comfort and support."

Ms Aylward said the man's offending was brought to the attention of police after his daughter told her boyfriend what had been going on.

Photos of text messages the girl had sent to her boyfriend were tendered to the court.

"She was clearly distressed with suicidal ideations," Judge Reid said after reading the messages.

Ms Aylward said it seemed the man had tried to "replace" his dead wife with his daughter.

"It is truly reprehensible. This little girl has really now lost both her parents and her life will never be the same," she said.

The man pleaded guilty to six counts of rape, two of indecently treating a child who was a lineal descendant and one count of maintaining a sexual relationship with a child.

Defence barrister Kim Bryson said the defendant co-operated fully with police, even giving them information that led to further charges being laid against him.

"His mental state deteriorated rapidly after his wife's death," Ms Bryson said.

Ms Bryson said prior to his arrest in 2010, the defendant had been a productive member of the community and worked at a local farm.

Judge Reid sentenced the man to varying concurrent jail sentences of nine, three and six years, with parole eligibility after three years.

He has already served 519 days in custody.

"It seems that for many years you were a good father and husband," the judge said.

"Your child became physically close to you ... really, in need of cuddles ... unfortunately you took the opportunity to introduce her to a sexual relationship."