Man sentenced to three years and six months for sexual assault on minor |24 February 2021
The Supreme Court of Seychelles on Monday sentenced a 20-year-old man to a term of three years and six months in prison for sexual assault on a 12-year-old.
The incident happened in April 2019.
Throughout the trial the accused maintained that he did not commit the offence.
While giving his verdict, Justice Melchior Vidot said after conviction that the accused, who is a first-time offender, requested for a probation report which was prepared and served on the court.
He said the accused was also invited to make submission in mitigation and while meting out sentence, he gave full consideration to most matters raised in mitigation.
Justice Vidot explained that even if the victim agreed to have sex with the accused, due to her age, she could not legally have given her consent.
He added that he also took into consideration that the victim’s mother expressed her wish that the accused is spared a prison term, as long as he acknowledged that he committed the offence.
Justice Vidot further added that he took serious notes that the accused had been a law-abiding citizen, but however, such crimes against young girls are considered serious.
He noted that the accused who is of impressionable age failed to exercise restraint and engaged into sexual act with a minor.
Justice Vidot also noted that young men should show more maturity and not get involved in any sexual act with under-aged girls and that despite all the temptations that they may experience around them, they should be able to discern what is right and what is wrong.
“They cannot involve in sexual act with small children because I find it unacceptable. They should not see these young girls as easy prey,” explained Justice Vidot who further added that engaging in sex with children have severe consequences.
Any time spent on remand will be discounted against the sentence, while the accused may appeal against conviction and sentence within 30 working days from the day of sentencing.
Roland Duval