Aussie father, daughter convicted of incest

Sydney, Mar 20 (UNI) An Australian court convicted a father-daughter duo, who said they met effectively as ''strangers'', of incest.

The District Court at Mount Gambier in South Australia heard they have had two children, but the first died of a heart defect.

The man, 61, and his daughter, 39, were charged with incest after the birth of the second child at Port Pirie last year.

Both pleaded guilty and told the court that when they met in 2000 they were effectively strangers after years of little contact.

Judge Steven Millsteed agreed the case was unusual, as both were consenting adults, but said the sentence must deter the birth of children from such relationships to avoid congenital defects and possible psychological harm.

The two also signed a three-year good behaviour bond and while they can have contact with each other, they will be monitored to ensure that their sexual relationship is over.

UNI XC SKB AS1334