'Strangers' convicted of incest

A father and his adult daughter, who told a court they met effectively as strangers eight years ago, have been convicted 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 in SA 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 he said the sentence must deter the birth of children from such relationships to avoid congenital defects and possible psychological harm.

The pair signed a three-year good behaviour bond.

While they can have contact with each other, they will be monitored to ensure that the sexual relationship is over.