Man jailed for sexually abusing young girl

Oct 21, 2022 | News | 0

A man has been jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to exposing himself to a teenage girl and abusing her.

The man exposed himself to the girl when he passed her home. On another occasion, he went inside her home when she was alone and physically touched her.

The victim did not report the matter until her mother noticed her being afraid when the offender was around.

She asked the victim what was wrong and the truth emerged. The man admitted his behavior to the police when arrested.

The offender, together with his chief, spoke to the mother, apologized for his behavior, and paid VT2, 000 as a customary fine.

The maximum penalty for committing an act of indecency in these circumstances under section 98 (a) of the Penal Code is 10 years’ imprisonment.

A sentence starting point of 2 years was given for each offence.

The sentence was reduced due to his early plea, expressing remorse, has paid a customary penalty and no previous conviction.

The court considered the possibility of suspending the sentence imposed, making reference to two previous cases.

Judge Edwin Peter Goldsbrough of the Supreme Court stated in the verdict of last month: “…the court is not prepared to suspend the sentence of imprisonment imposed.

“The offences were committed over a long period of time, causing the victim to traumatized, reminded every day of how she felt during this time when she encountered the defendant over and over again.

“In the event that he is sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment for each of these two offences to run concurrently.

“The offender has appeared today in answer to bail and has not been remanded in custody since his conviction and so the sentence will commence no later than October 2, 2022 considering the provisions of section 50 of the Penal Code.”

The offender was given 14 days to appeal the sentence.

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SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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