A 13-year-old has had his two-year jail sentence suspended for four years after being found guilty of raping an eight-year-old boy in a school toilet in the Central Division. Court records detail that on an unspecified date between May 1 and November 30, 2024, the victim requested permission from his teacher to use the toilet, during which the perpetrator followed him and committed the crime.
The victim experienced another assault when he was ambushed by the boy while walking home from school. Despite the traumatic incidents, the victim did not disclose the occurrences until later. On November 30, a woman discovered the victim and two other boys imitating sexual acts in the boy’s house. After reprimanding them, the victim revealed the assaults, prompting her to inform the village headman and the police.
Justice Waleen George addressed the case in light of juvenile laws, citing Section 30 of the Juvenile Act 1973, which prohibits imprisoning children for offenses, stipulating that if a term of imprisonment is imposed, it must not exceed two years.
A report from the Department of Social Welfare presented to the court indicated that the boy showed remorse and was cooperative during the proceedings. The court’s ruling included a requirement for the boy’s father to enter into a $500 good behavior bond and mandated probation supervision by the Social Welfare Department for four years. Justice George emphasized the importance of arranging immediate counseling for the juvenile, alongside his parents, to help him avoid future conflicts with the law.
The court’s ruling reflects an understanding of the complexities involved in cases involving minors and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment, highlighting the judicial system’s focus on supporting young offenders in reforming their behavior.