A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of defiling a 9-year-old girl.
Appearing before Mombasa Principal Magistrate Martin Rabera, the accused was found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” after the court heard the complainant’s testimony.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Wednesday, said that the ruling found the complainant’s testimony to be sufficient enough for a conviction.
The court also argued that the minor is still suffering from trauma and is undergoing counseling and therefore the accused does not deserve a non-custodial sentence.
“Rabera further 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 said that the accused does not deserve a non-custodial sentence.
The prosecution, led by PC Barbara Sombo had opposed the application by the defense for a non-custodial sentence, citing the physical and psychological trauma suffered by the minor.
ODPP said the court found it necessary to impose a severe penalty to tame sexual offenders from committing similar crimes in the future.