An ice user who punched, slapped and burned a 14-year-old girl with a lighter during a vile torture session at a house party has walked free from court despite being convicted.
The abuse happened at a party on the
Gold Coast in Queensland on March 31, 2018.
Ben Costin, 21, was having sex with the girl at the party when one of his friends asked to join in, the
Gold Coast Bulletin reported.
Prosecutor Natalie Lima told the court the abuse began when Costin refused but said his friend could have sex with the girl after him.
The 14-year-old was tortured for hours, being punched, slapped, having part of her shaved and having 'smileys' burned into her skin.
Costin was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison
His sentence was suspended and he walked free having spent 357 days in custody before being sentenced.
Two other men accused of torturing the girl are still before the courts.
Costin's lawyer Bernard Reilly said a psychological exam found Costin had a 'borderline level for working memory' and functioned 'below average'.
Mr Reilly said Costin was unemployed and was an ice user.
