Sex offender to marry his victim

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 21 September 2016, 12:00AM

A 21-year-old man convicted of making sexual connection with a young girl and a charge of indecent assault has received a suspended sentence from the Court due to their plans to wed.

The decision was delivered by Justice Lesatele Rapi Va’ai yesterday. 

The ruling followed confirmation from the victim’s mother both families have decided their children will marry as a result of what had happened. 

She also confirmed to the Court that up until now, her daughter is still living with the accused man at his home.

According to the Police summary of facts, the 15-year-old victim and the defendant met at an Athletics event. They made plans to meet up after the Games at the Flea Market.

From there, they went to the man’s house.

The defendant’s mother arrived and questioned her son about the girl. She allowed her stay but made her sleep in her daughter’s bedroom.

Sometime that night, the victim snuck into the defendant’s room where they slept.

The next morning, Police officers found the victim at the defendant’s house.

They took her to the Afega police station for questioning. The man was arrested and charged with sexual connection with a young person as well as indecent assault.

During sentencing, Justice Lesatele said he had no intention to impose any custodial sentencing. He said it is obvious that the young girl wanted what happened to happen since she disobeyed the defendant’s mother and snuck into his room.

 “If she hadn’t snuck into your room, you wouldn’t be standing there now,” Justice Lesatele said to the defendant.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 21 September 2016, 12:00AM
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