The Chipata High Court has sentenced a 21-year-old man of Katete District to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour for def!lement.
The convict, Jasat Phiri of Kalumbi village in Chief Mbang’ombe’s area was arrested on April 19th 2022 for having unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 16.
According to court records, Phiri infected the victim, an 8-year-old girl with a S£xually Transmitted Infection STI G0n0rrhea.
In mitigation, the convict through Legal Aid Counsel Blessings Mbewe asked for a second chance in life, as he regrets his actions.
In her judgement, Chipata Resident Judge Mercy Makubalo said it is sad to note that the victim was lured into going into the convict’s house and def!led her and that the age difference is too wide.
She said going by the ever-escalating cases of def!lement, certain sentences should be harsh so that children are protected from such individuals.
Judge Makubalo added that in this case, even STI’s are involved.
She therefore sentenced Phiri to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour with effect from the date of arrest.
C:Breeezfm