A 48-year-old man will serve the rest of his life in jail for defiling a 9-year-old girl.
Mombasa Principal Magistrate, Hon. Martin Rabera ruled that the complainant gave strong testimony and was not shaken by who had defiled her, despite the fact that she seemed terrified of the accused person.
The court observed that the accused does not deserve a non-custodial sentence.
” After perusing the evidence tabled before this court, I am satisfied that the testimony by various prosecution witnesses corroborated and therefore, the prosecution proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“Courts are the last hope for the disadvantaged members of society. This court has a duty to serve justice to the innocent child whose life might never be the same again. I, therefore, sentence the convicted suspect herein to serve life in prison. Right of appeal within 14 days.” ruled the Learned magistrate.
The prosecution, led by PC Barbara Sombo had opposed the application by the defence for a non-custodial sentence, citing the physical and psychological trauma suffered by the minor, who is still undergoing counselling.
“The court found it necessary to impose severe penalties on sex offenders in order to deter future offenders from committing similar crimes in the future,” said ODPP in welcoming the sentencing.
