Man sentenced to 54 years in prison for sexual abuse of young girl

The Criminal Court on Monday sentenced a middle-aged man to over 50 years in prison after he was found guilty of the sexual abuse of a young girl.

The 51-year-old man was arrested from Hulhumale’ Phase II on September 3, 2022.

The police wrapped up the investigation and forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office for charges a month later, on October 18, 2022.

The 51-year-old, who holds a position of authority over the young girl, was accused of forcibly engaging in sexual acts with her over a prolonged period of time, including forcing her to tough his sexual organ.

The Criminal Court found him guilty of the charges and sentenced him to 54 years in prison.

However, he received a three-year reduction in his sentence due to the time he spent in detention, and has 51 years left to serve.

The Women’s Health and Life Experiences (WHLE) study published in 2007 found that one in three women aged 15-49 reported experiencing physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives, including childhood sexual abuse.

Those with information regarding crimes against children are urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Social and Family and Development’s child helpline 1412 or social services helpline 1421.