Sex predators a serious menace to Tonga's children [1]
Monday, November 10, 2008 - 17:19. Updated on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - 15:55.
In handing down a five years imprisonment sentence on a man who indecently assaulted an 11-year-old girl, Chief Justice Anthony Ford pointed out that it might be timely for Parliament to review the maximum seven years imprisonment penalty for indecent assault in Tonga.
Sione Naitoko (48) described as "an alcoholic menace who begged for money around Nuku'alofa", appeared before the Chief Justice for sentencing on Friday, November 7 after pleading guilty to one count of indecent assault of a minor.
"It may be timely for Parliament to look at the seven years maximum penalty, because it is evident from this case and others that the indecent assaulting of young girls can be devastating. It takes away the child's innocence and will affect her for the rest of her life."
The Chief Justice told the convicted sex predator that he remains a serious menace to young children and if it were not for his early guilty plea he would have imposed on him a six to seven years sentence.
"This type of crime is seriously increasing in Tonga and young children need to be protected from sex predators like yourself and the court has the obligation to protect young children and deter others from such crimes."
The court was told the accused begged around the streets in Nuku'alofa to buy alcohol and he committed the offence on March 10, 2008 when he used money to lure the little girl and committed the offence in Kolofo'ou.
The Chief Justice added the accused knew what he was doing and his actions showed pre-meditation, "hopefully your time in prison without alcohol would change your lifestyle," he said.
In addition to his five years imprisonment, the accused is ordered to take part in the Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Program of the Salvation Army when it starts at Hu'atolitoli Prison on December 1.