Former high-profile criminologist Paul Wilson will spend six months behind bars after committing "brazen" sexual offences on a young girl in the 1970s.

Wilson, 75, was on Wednesday convicted of four charges of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 12 relating to sexual acts he committed at his Brisbane riverside home 40 years ago.

He was sentenced in the Brisbane District court on Thursday to 18 months jail, suspended after six months.

Prosecutor Philip McCarthy had asked for two years with a custodial component, saying that Wilson's conduct was "at times brazen".

"The conduct involved manipulative behaviour by the defendant," Mr McCarthy said.

He described how Wilson's victim had suffered "self-blame, embarrassment and disempowerment".

Offending occurred 'pre-enlightenment': defence

But Wilson's defence barrister Peter Davis QC said his client was of good character and had contributed to the community.

"We rely heavily on this man's character and the runs he has on the board," Mr Davis said.

He argued for a 12-month sentence with no custodial period, saying the offending had happened "pre-enlightenment".

"In 1975 the attitude toward this type of offending was very different to what it is now," he said.

Wilson was awarded an Order of Australia in 2003, the court heard.

Judge Julie Dick SC acknowledged Wilson's career success but said his conduct was "painful" for his victim and the fact he had pleaded not guilty and the matter went to trial "was traumatic for her".

"The four offences show a persistent offending, and a corruption of the child," Judge Dick said.

"You are going to spend some time in custody."

Wilson's wife and a large contingent of the victim's family were in court for the sentencing.

Mr Davis later said he was unsure whether Wilson would lodge an appeal.