Lagos man jailed eight years for child molestation

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a man, David Charles, to eight years imprisonment for assault and indecent treatment of a 10-year-old girl.

Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted him after he pleaded guilty to the two amended charges brought against him by the Lagos State Government.

In a charge marked ID/6934C/2018, Charles was initially arraigned on July 28, 2021, over an allegation of defilement and indecent treatment of a child, and he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution said Charles, sometime in April 2017, at No. 16 Aina Street, Shogunle, Oshodi, Lagos, indecently treated a 10-year-old girl by touching her lap with his penis and exposing her to pornography.

According to the prosecution, the offences committed contravened Sections 135, 170 and punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Law Lagos State, 2015.

During the trial, the prosecution called witnesses while the defendant testified for himself and later opted for a plea bargain.

He was, therefore, re-arraigned on amended two counts bordering on indecent treatment of a child and assault.

He pleaded guilty to the two counts and the court held his plea.

However, while delivering judgment, Justice 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 one year imprisonment on count two.

The court held that the sentences shall run consecutively by the plea bargain agreement between both parties.

Therefore, the total term of imprisonment shall be eight years.

“This sentence shall commence from the day he was remanded, October 10, 2017. This takes into account the time he has already spent in custody.

“In light of the nature of the offence in count one and by the relevant provisions 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. They also trust that you will take advantage of any rehabilitation programme,” he said.