By Alimatu Jalloh
A student at the Milton Margai Technical University in Freetown was on Wednesday sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually penetrating a minor, following his guilty plea before Justice Cosmotina Jarrett.
The incident, which occurred on April 29, 2024, in Allen Town, involved a 12-year-old girl who had been sent to dispose of household waste. According to State Prosecutor Lawyer Deen, the student lured the victim into his room, where the sexual penetration took place. When the victim’s mother searched for her daughter and knocked on the suspect’s door with no reply, she later found her and took her to the local health center, where medical staff confirmed evidence of sexual penetration.
The matter was reported to the Waterloo Police Station, and statements were obtained from the mother, the victim, and the accused. The suspect was formally charged and remanded in custody.
During sentencing, defense lawyer Hindolo M. Gavao argued that the convict and the victim were in a mutual relationship and urged the court to consider a reduced sentence, citing the girl’s physical appearance as misleading. However, the prosecution stood by the legal minimum sentence.
Justice Jarrett acknowledged the circumstances but emphasized the importance of deterrence in sexual offenses involving minors. The convict was handed the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on protecting children against sexual violence