Justice Rahman Oshodi of Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, has sentenced one David Charles, to eight years imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old minor indecently.
Charles in a plea bargain, pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of assault and indecent treatment of a child.
The court, therefore, sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on count one, and a year imprisonment on count two. The judge held that the sentences should run consecutively, following the plea bargain agreement between the prosecution and defence.
The court also ordered the sentence to commence from October 10, 2017, the day he was incarcerated.
The court held; “In the light of the nature of the offence in count one and by the relevant provision of Section 32 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021, this court orders that you, David Charles, be registered as a sex offender.
“Mr Charles, the sentences imposed today reflect the gravity of your offences, particularly the exploitation of a vulnerable child.
“The consecutive nature of the sentences underscores the severe and distinct nature of each offence.
“I hope that during your period of incarceration, you will reflect deeply on your actions and their impact on the victim and society at large.”According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the convict was initially arraigned on July 28, 2021, pleading not guilty to charges of defilement and indecent treatment of a child.
The prosecution submitted that Charles had on April 2017, on Aina Street, Shogunle, Oshodi, indecently treated the survivor by touching her lap with his penis and exposing her to pornography.
The prosecution said his offences were contrary to Sections 135 and 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The trial commenced with the prosecution having called witnesses but the convict later opted for a plea bargain.
He was therefore re-arraigned on an amended two-count charge, bordering on assault and indecent treatment of a child.
Charles Bags 8yrs For Sexually Assaulting A Minor.
