A man who was previously unemployed has been convicted and is set to be sentenced today for threatening to harm his former class two-stepdaughter should she reveal his sexual crimes against her. The individual was found guilty by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. These heinous acts occurred at their residence in Nakasi and Nasinu, with the incidents taking place during two separate years: 2018 and 2022.
The victim, who was eight years old during the first incident, reported that she was asleep in bed with her younger siblings when the accused engaged in forceful, non-consensual sexual intercourse with her. Despite her efforts to resist him, the assault continued for several minutes. Afterward, the perpetrator allegedly threatened the girl to ensure her silence, which made her reluctant to disclose the abuse, fearing potential gossip in their community.
In the subsequent incident in 2022, the victim was again asleep on the floor when the accused approached her and began to touch her inappropriately. On both occasions, their mother was away from home, leaving the children vulnerable. Justice Rajasinghe has concluded that the evidence presented by the complainant was credible, while the accused’s claims did not cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case, led by Prosecutor Shaheen Bibi.
This case reflects a troubling pattern of child exploitation in domestic settings, which has been highlighted in similar court cases recently. Justice Rajasinghe has stressed the significant emotional and psychological impact such acts have on young victims and the broader implications for society.
As the sentencing occurs today, there is hope that justice will be served, reinforcing the message that such crimes will not be tolerated and that victims are encouraged to come forward and speak out against their abusers.
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