Grim details emerge about how female former lifesaver, 23, groomed boy, 13, and performed sex acts on him - as she learns her fate in court
A former Gold Coast surf lifesaving volunteer asked a 13-year-old boy for sex in the back of her car before performing oral sex on him, a court has heard.
Melanie Miyuki McNeilly, 23, was sentenced to a two-year probation order with no record of conviction at the Southport District Court last month.
The offending began via messages where McNeilly gave the 13-year-old permission to flirt with her, the court heard.
She pleaded guilty to nine offences including seven counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 years old, the Courier Mail reported.
Judge Katarina Prskalo referenced a psychologist's report which found McNeilly was at low risk of reoffending, didn't meet the criteria for paedophilia and showed insight into her offences.
She also said McNeilly's moral culpability was reduced by mental conditions, though she wasn't necessarily incapable of appreciating what she did was wrong.
The pair met on multiple occasions, including a sleepover at McNeilly's home where she kissed him and performed oral sex on him, the court heard.
On another occasion McNeilly performed oral sex on the boy while waiting for roadside assistance to arrive to repair a flat car battery.
Former Gold Coast volunteer surf lifesaver Melanie Miyuki McNeilly has admitted to a series of sex acts against a 13-year-old boy
McNeilly's moral culpability was reduced and she was unlikely to reoffend, a judge found
The 23-year-old had previously volunteered as a surf lifesaver on the Gold Coast
The boy later limited contact with her and when asked why he was avoiding her, he said that he didn't want a relationship.
McNeilly told the boy to keep their relationship secret and to delete their messages when the matter was being investigated, the court heard.
The psychologist's report found McNeilly was emotionally immature and likely met the criteria for PTSD, major depressive disorder, ADHD and ASD.
It said the available evidence suggested her behaviour occurred within the context of these and other psychological issues rather than arising from predatory or sexually deviant intent.
Defence barrister Laura Dawson said the offending occurred in circumstances when she believed the boy was her equal.
She also said McNeilly had undertaken 35-hours of therapeutic sessions for people who offend against children and has insight into her offending.
