Former radio host finally suffers consequences of their disturbing crimes from decades ago
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Content warning: This article discusses sensitive topics, including the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and may be distressing to some. Reader discretion is advised
In a tale that serves as a stark reminder that the passage of time does not erase the gravity of heinous acts, a former radio host has been sentenced to prison for several hideous crimes.
The well-known media figure was convicted following a high-profile trial, highlighting serious allegations that have captivated the community.
This development marks a notable moment in the local media landscape, as the court's decision brings a sense of closure to a case that has been closely followed by many.
Peter Lang, once a familiar voice on the Sunshine Coast's airwaves, has been convicted of multiple counts of unlawful carnal knowledge and indecent treatment of a young girl, bringing to light a dark past that contrasts sharply with his public persona.
The case against Lang unfolded in the Maroochydore District Court, where the 66-year-old faced the consequences of his actions from over three decades ago.
In 1988, Lang was a well-known figure at 4SS, now MIX FM, and it was during this time that he committed the offences against a 13-year-old girl.
The court heard harrowing details of how Lang had sexual intercourse with the girl on multiple occasions, including on the grounds of a primary school, and instructed her to keep their encounters secret.
The victim, whose courage in coming forward after 33 years is nothing short of remarkable, reported the offences to police in 2021.
Her decision was influenced by a documentary on child sexual abuse survivors, which helped her overcome the fear that her story would not be believed due to Lang's ‘celebrity status’.
Her bravery in speaking out not only brought her own suffering to light but also underscored the importance of supporting survivors and the potential for justice, even after many years.
‘The guilt and shame and the awfulness that I was feeling for 33 years now belongs to him. It's gone to him,’ the victim said.
‘It's a freeing feeling.’
‘It just proves now that justice delayed isn't justice denied,’ she added.
Police originally charged Lang with 22 offences involving two girls.
During a trial in March, he was acquitted of seven charges, including all six related to the second girl.
The prosecution later withdrew six additional charges, and four more—including two rape counts—were set aside due to a deadlocked jury.
This week, Judge Glen Cash KC, at the prosecution's request, downgraded the two rape charges to unlawful carnal knowledge.
During sentencing submissions, Crown Prosecutor Rebecca Marks argued that Lang should receive a jail term of 18 months to two years to condemn his ‘predatory’ behaviour.
Ms Marks stated that Lang was aware of the girl's age yet still pursued her, resulting in ‘significantly profound and enduring consequences’.
She added that Lang ‘discarded’ the girl once he realised there was a risk of his actions being discovered by her mother.
‘He exploited his celebrity status to gain that connection with the complainant and ultimately satisfy his own sexual desires,’ Ms Marks stated.
On the other hand, Defence Barrister Saul Holt argued that Lang believed the girl was older than 13 at the time of the offences.
Holt stated that his client now acknowledges his actions were ‘fundamentally wrong’.
The impact of Lang's actions on the victim has been profound and long-lasting. In a victim impact statement, she explained how Lang had left a ‘lasting scar…that time had done little to heal’.
‘Sexual activity as a child, and before I was ready, eroded my sense of self-worth,’ she said.
‘Losing my innocence resulted in me struggling to find true happiness, as the shadow of experiences with Peter Lang continues to impact, reverberate and influence not only relationships but many aspects of my life to this day.’
According to her, the abuse even contributed to a breakdown in her relationship with her father.
‘I was proud to be a daddy's girl and cherished the close and loving relationship that I had with him,’ the victim continued.
‘Unfortunately, the damage to my self-esteem and change in my personality after encountering Peter Lang and his abuse saw me being completely misunderstood and caused my father and I to become estranged.’
The woman shared that her father passed away before they had the chance to reunite.
‘He will never know me as an adult, never know the strong and independent woman I have become,’ she said.
‘He last knew me as a troubled teen who perceived herself to be more grown-up than my age suggested.’
‘And I do not forgive you, Peter, for this,’ the woman added.
Mr Holt advocated for a reduced sentence, stating that Lang had already suffered ‘in really profound ways’ for his crimes.
The court was informed that Lang served 42 days in police custody following his 2021 arrest and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
After the trial, Lang moved to remote Far North Queensland, where he has been living a ‘reclusive’ life with a low likelihood of reoffending.
‘He has acquired no convictions subsequent to [the 1988 offending], and the evidence before your honour very powerfully suggests that he has lived a pro-social, contributing life as an effective and an appropriate member of the communities which he has been a part of,’ Mr Holt explained.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Cash emphasised the importance of sending a clear message that society would not tolerate the sexual exploitation of children.
He stated that it was irrelevant what age Lang believed the girl to be at the time, as she was still a young teen.
‘You were plainly taking advantage of your position as a man of 29 and with the degree of celebrity,’ the judge pointed out.
Judge Cash sentenced Lang to 18 months in prison, with the sentence suspended after he served six months.
The 42 days he spent in pre-sentence custody were counted as time served, making Lang eligible for parole in April of next year.
As the legal system continues to address high-profile cases involving vulnerable individuals, another shocking case has recently come to light.
While the sentencing of a former radio host for serious offences against minors has garnered significant attention, the courts are also confronting disturbing incidents involving the mistreatment of the elderly.
In a case that highlights the exploitation of those with diminished capacity, a care worker has been found guilty of committing an abhorrent act against an elderly man with dementia.
Both cases serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability when it comes to protecting society's most vulnerable.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we recognise the importance of these stories being told and the need for continued vigilance in protecting the vulnerable in our communities.
We commend the bravery of survivors who come forward and encourage a dialogue on how we can all contribute to a safer and more just society for future generations.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar issues, we urge you to seek support and know that it is never too late to have your voice heard.
In a tale that serves as a stark reminder that the passage of time does not erase the gravity of heinous acts, a former radio host has been sentenced to prison for several hideous crimes.
The well-known media figure was convicted following a high-profile trial, highlighting serious allegations that have captivated the community.
This development marks a notable moment in the local media landscape, as the court's decision brings a sense of closure to a case that has been closely followed by many.
Peter Lang, once a familiar voice on the Sunshine Coast's airwaves, has been convicted of multiple counts of unlawful carnal knowledge and indecent treatment of a young girl, bringing to light a dark past that contrasts sharply with his public persona.
The case against Lang unfolded in the Maroochydore District Court, where the 66-year-old faced the consequences of his actions from over three decades ago.
Former Sunshine Coast radio host Peter Lang has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, eligible for parole after six months, for historical child sex offences. Credit: Facebook / Sunshine Coast Daily
In 1988, Lang was a well-known figure at 4SS, now MIX FM, and it was during this time that he committed the offences against a 13-year-old girl.
The court heard harrowing details of how Lang had sexual intercourse with the girl on multiple occasions, including on the grounds of a primary school, and instructed her to keep their encounters secret.
The victim, whose courage in coming forward after 33 years is nothing short of remarkable, reported the offences to police in 2021.
Her decision was influenced by a documentary on child sexual abuse survivors, which helped her overcome the fear that her story would not be believed due to Lang's ‘celebrity status’.
Her bravery in speaking out not only brought her own suffering to light but also underscored the importance of supporting survivors and the potential for justice, even after many years.
‘The guilt and shame and the awfulness that I was feeling for 33 years now belongs to him. It's gone to him,’ the victim said.
‘It's a freeing feeling.’
‘It just proves now that justice delayed isn't justice denied,’ she added.
Police originally charged Lang with 22 offences involving two girls.
During a trial in March, he was acquitted of seven charges, including all six related to the second girl.
The prosecution later withdrew six additional charges, and four more—including two rape counts—were set aside due to a deadlocked jury.
This week, Judge Glen Cash KC, at the prosecution's request, downgraded the two rape charges to unlawful carnal knowledge.
During sentencing submissions, Crown Prosecutor Rebecca Marks argued that Lang should receive a jail term of 18 months to two years to condemn his ‘predatory’ behaviour.
Ms Marks stated that Lang was aware of the girl's age yet still pursued her, resulting in ‘significantly profound and enduring consequences’.
She added that Lang ‘discarded’ the girl once he realised there was a risk of his actions being discovered by her mother.
‘He exploited his celebrity status to gain that connection with the complainant and ultimately satisfy his own sexual desires,’ Ms Marks stated.
On the other hand, Defence Barrister Saul Holt argued that Lang believed the girl was older than 13 at the time of the offences.
Holt stated that his client now acknowledges his actions were ‘fundamentally wrong’.
The impact of Lang's actions on the victim has been profound and long-lasting. In a victim impact statement, she explained how Lang had left a ‘lasting scar…that time had done little to heal’.
‘Sexual activity as a child, and before I was ready, eroded my sense of self-worth,’ she said.
‘Losing my innocence resulted in me struggling to find true happiness, as the shadow of experiences with Peter Lang continues to impact, reverberate and influence not only relationships but many aspects of my life to this day.’
According to her, the abuse even contributed to a breakdown in her relationship with her father.
‘I was proud to be a daddy's girl and cherished the close and loving relationship that I had with him,’ the victim continued.
‘Unfortunately, the damage to my self-esteem and change in my personality after encountering Peter Lang and his abuse saw me being completely misunderstood and caused my father and I to become estranged.’
The woman shared that her father passed away before they had the chance to reunite.
‘He will never know me as an adult, never know the strong and independent woman I have become,’ she said.
‘He last knew me as a troubled teen who perceived herself to be more grown-up than my age suggested.’
‘And I do not forgive you, Peter, for this,’ the woman added.
Mr Holt advocated for a reduced sentence, stating that Lang had already suffered ‘in really profound ways’ for his crimes.
The court was informed that Lang served 42 days in police custody following his 2021 arrest and was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
After the trial, Lang moved to remote Far North Queensland, where he has been living a ‘reclusive’ life with a low likelihood of reoffending.
‘He has acquired no convictions subsequent to [the 1988 offending], and the evidence before your honour very powerfully suggests that he has lived a pro-social, contributing life as an effective and an appropriate member of the communities which he has been a part of,’ Mr Holt explained.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Cash emphasised the importance of sending a clear message that society would not tolerate the sexual exploitation of children.
He stated that it was irrelevant what age Lang believed the girl to be at the time, as she was still a young teen.
‘You were plainly taking advantage of your position as a man of 29 and with the degree of celebrity,’ the judge pointed out.
Judge Cash sentenced Lang to 18 months in prison, with the sentence suspended after he served six months.
The 42 days he spent in pre-sentence custody were counted as time served, making Lang eligible for parole in April of next year.
As the legal system continues to address high-profile cases involving vulnerable individuals, another shocking case has recently come to light.
While the sentencing of a former radio host for serious offences against minors has garnered significant attention, the courts are also confronting disturbing incidents involving the mistreatment of the elderly.
In a case that highlights the exploitation of those with diminished capacity, a care worker has been found guilty of committing an abhorrent act against an elderly man with dementia.
Both cases serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability when it comes to protecting society's most vulnerable.
We commend the bravery of survivors who come forward and encourage a dialogue on how we can all contribute to a safer and more just society for future generations.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar issues, we urge you to seek support and know that it is never too late to have your voice heard.
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