By Grace Gilo
A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for defiling a 12-year-old girl.
The verdict was delivered by Taveta Principal Magistrate Hon. Eugene Kadima, who found the accused, Evans Manochi Metioni, guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The offense allegedly took place between September 2, 2023, and September 15, 2023, in Challa village, Taveta Sub-County.
“Appearing before the court, Evans denied the charge leveled against him prompting the prosecution through prosecution counsel Idris Tomno to call five witnesses including the girl to testify against him,” wrote the ODDP.
Despite denying the charge, Evans was convicted based on the testimony of five witnesses, including the victim.
“The court further stated that the threshold of reasonable doubt has been proved to show the accused person indeed committed the crime against the minor,” said the ODPP.
The court emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the psychological and physical impact on the child.
It was revealed that the accused manipulated the victim with money to fulfill his perverse desires, resulting in multiple instances of sexual abuse.
The prosecution requested a harsher punishment, highlighting that the accused knew the victim as his neighbor and took advantage of her.
In his plea for leniency, the convict mentioned his responsibilities as a family man, expressing his desire to continue caring for his wife and children.
The convict has three other defilement cases awaiting trial in the Taveta court.