An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a 54-year-old man, Monday John, to 14 years imprisonment for attempted sexual assault on a minor.
Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced John to 14 years following his plea bargain agreement to the amended one count of attempted assault by penetration filed against him by the Lagos State Government.
Oshodi held that the facts of the case were disturbing; presenting a 50-year-old male adult, in a position of authority, who exploited the vulnerability of a 13-year-old child and subjected her to sexual abuse.
The Judge held: “Your actions have undoubtedly caused profound trauma and harm to the victim.
“I have considered your guilty plea and willingness to take responsibility for your crimes by entering into the plea bargain agreement.
“However, this does not detract from the gravity of your offence. The law is clear that a child under the age of eighteen cannot consent to sexual activities, and ignorance of a child’s age is no defence.”
Oshodi ruled that the sentence agreed upon in the plea bargain reflected the seriousness of his crime as it carried a term of 14 years’ imprisonment.
“Accordingly, I sentence you to 14 years’ imprisonment commencing on your remand date Nov.13, 2020, and you shall also be registered as a sex offender.
“This sentence sends a clear message that sexual exploitation of children will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences under the law.
“I hope that during your incarceration, you will reflect deeply on your actions and the harm you have caused and that you will commit to rehabilitation,” Oshodi said.
The state counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, told the court that the convict committed the offence on Oct. 16, 2020, at about 12. 30 p.m.on Olarenwaju Street, Bariga, Lagos.
Okeowo submitted that the convict attempted to penetrate the survivor’s vagina with his fingers.
The prosecution said the offence contravened Section 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)
