An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Lagos has sentenced a man, David Charles, to eight years imprisonment for assaulting and treating a 10-year-old minor indecently.

Justice Rahman Oshodi sentenced Charles on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the amended two-count charge of assault and indecent treatment of a child.

In his judgement, Mr Oshodi held that the court had carefully considered the facts of the case, the plea bargain agreement, and the provisions of the law.

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 sentences to commence from October 10, 2017, the day he was incarcerated.

The judge said, “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.’’

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 Mr Charles in 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. 

(NAN)