Dr Rashmi Kant, 51, from Havelock North has been sentenced to home detention after being convicted of indecently assaulting three students he tutored, Stuff.co.nz reports.
Dr Kant appeared in Napier District Court, where Judge Bridget Mackintosh handed down an 11-month home detention sentence, followed by six months of conditions including counselling and no contact with the victims.
It is reported in local media that Dr Kant, who holds a doctorate in entomology and worked as a senior scientist, was found guilty by a jury earlier this year on 11 charges of indecent assault.
RNZ reports that the offending occurred over several months in late 2023 and early 2024, involving inappropriate touching of the students during tutoring sessions.
During sentencing, as per RNZ, Judge Mackintosh said the victims had been “seriously affected” by the incidents, experiencing ongoing psychological and emotional challenges. She noted the young women had initially been hesitant to report Dr Kant, as they valued his tutoring and academic support.
According to Stuff.co.nz, Dr Kant’s lawyer highlighted his previous community contributions, lack of prior convictions, and steps taken to engage in counselling. A probation report indicated he was unlikely to reoffend.
It is reported that the Crown emphasised the age difference between Dr Kant and the students, the repeated nature of the assaults, and the breach of trust involved.
Judge Mackintosh acknowledged Dr Kant’s professional qualifications and standing in the community but said the jury’s verdicts made clear the impact of his actions. As per RNZ, she described the sentence as a “significant fall from grace” for the former tutor and scientist.
Dr Kant, as per local media reports, has also offered payments to the victims to compensate for emotional harm and to refund their tutoring fees.
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