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Jusu Lahai, a 55-Year-Old Kailahun Court Chairman, has been found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in prison for engaging in sexual penetration with a 14-year-old girl.
According to the details of the crime, Lahai committed this offense on November 19, 2022, in Joporwahun Village, Pejeh Bongrey Chiefdom, Kailahun District. He knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor below the age of 18.
Before the sentencing, Lahai provided an explanation for his actions. He stated that on the mentioned date, after returning from work and resting at home, the child entered his room and requested money. This request led him to engage in the sexual act with her.
Despite his guilty plea and plea for mercy, Justice Banks-Kamara, in delivering the ruling, acknowledged the vulnerability of the child as per Section 4(a)(iii) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act No. 8 of 2019. While showing some leniency, the judge emphasized that as a Local Court Chairman, the accused had betrayed the trust of the State.
Samuel Pessima Esq., the Defense Counsel from the Legal Aid Board in Kailahun, also requested mercy and a lenient sentence, highlighting that Lahai was a first-time offender and did not waste the Court’s time.
State Counsel Daniel Mansaray from the High Court in Kailahun handled the prosecution of the case.
Those who are supposed to protect and preserve the laws at the highest levels breaks it and when they’re caught wants mercy, it’s undone by any circumstances. He deserves the punishment
This is a strong message to the populate that engagement with a child in sexuality is a crime. Bravo to the government. We as child protection organization N’DOMAKEH are working tirelessly in complementing the government’s efforts