Man jailed for sexual offences on minor [1]
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 - 22:33
A 68-year-old man was sentenced to three-years imprisonment for three counts of serious indecent assault committed on a minor in 2021.
Hon Mr Justice Niu him on 13 April, after he pleaded guilty the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.
The judge ordered that there should be no publication of any particulars relating to the victim, whereby her name or identity may be revealed.
The accused had no previous convictions.
However, the probation officer in her report said she had reservation that the accused would not re-offend, said the judge.
"This is because you told her that you would be more cautious in future in having relationship with girls to ensure they are of legal age. She said there is still a risk that you would re-offend because you still intend to pursue sexual gratification outside of your marriage. She says that you need counselling."
The judge said young girls must be protected from sexual assaults and indecencies.
"Everyone knows that and everyone has a responsibility to ensure that young girls do not come to any harm especially sexual harm."
The law imposes a sentence of imprisonment of up to five-years for serious indecent assault on a young girl, such as the accused had done in this case, he said.
The accused was granted a period of suspension on account of his previous good record and guilty plea.
He was then sentenced to three-years with the final year suspended for two-years on conditions.