The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday sentenced a 43-year-old electrician, Chukwukweike Ashiedu, to seven years’ imprisonment for indecently assaulting his 17-year-old daughter.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, while handing down the sentence, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt.

“The aggravating factors in the case are severe because the victim is not only a child but the convict’s daughter,” said Mr Oshodi.

Mr Oshodi stated that the convict presented a profound breach of trust and violated his duty as a parent to protect and nurture his child.

He said, “Your admission of rubbing your manhood on your daughter’s buttocks for your sexual gratification is utterly devastating.

“This act demonstrates a gross disregard for her bodily autonomy, her dignity, her rights to a safe and nurturing home environment.

“Such behaviour of a parent toward their child is not only criminal but morally repugnant and psychologically damaging.”

The judge further stated that the convict’s action must have caused immeasurable harm to the child.

Mr Oshodi said the full extent of damage to the girl might not be apparent now.

“Considering all these factors, I hereby sentence you to the maximum term of seven years’ imprisonment.

“The sentence will commence from the day of your remand, Feb. 27, 2019,” he ordered.

The convict was also charged with defilement, but the court held the prosecution failed to prove that there was an act of penetration.

Indecent treatment of a child violates section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

(NAN)