Police are applauding the bravery of a victim of child sexual abuse

Graham James Fox has been sentenced to eight months' home detention in the Wellington District Court - for indecency with a boy in the 90s.

The victim told Open Justice at times the case hung over him like a dead weight - and felt never-ending.

He described suffering significant mental health problems and spending 15 years on a benefit.

Detective Steve Yates, who arrested Fox, is applauding the victim coming forward and seeing the case through.

Over the years, Fox had admitted his offending to his wife, brother-in-law and pastor.