Finally, David Charles has been sentenced to 8 years imprisonment for assault and indecent treatment of a 10-year-old child in Lagos.
Handing down the judgement, Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Sexual and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, found the defendant guilty following his plea to the amended two counts charge brought against him by the Lagos State Government.
In a charge marked no ID/6934C/2018, Charles was initially arraigned on July 28, 2021 over allegation bordering on defilement and indecent treatment of a child and he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution said sometimes in April 2017 at No. 16, Aina Street, Shogunle, Oshodi, Lagos, Charles indecently treated a-10-year-old girl by touching her laps with his penis and exposed her to pornography.
The prosecution said his offences were contrary to Section 135, 170 and punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Law, Ch, C.17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The trial commenced and the prosecution had called witness while the defendant himself had testified before he opted for plea bargain.
He was therefore re-arraigned on amended two counts charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child and assault.
He pleaded guilty to the two counts and the court held his plea.
The trial judge held that the court has carefully considered the facts of the case, the plea bargain agreement, and the provisions of the law.
Therefore the court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on count one and one year imprisonment on count two.
The judge said that the sentences shall run consecutively by the plea bargain agreement between both parties. Therefore, the total term of imprisonment shall be eight years.
The court orders that this sentence commences from the date he was remanded, October 10, 2017. This takes into account the time he have already spent in custody.
“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 court also trusts that you will take advantage of any rehabilitation program.”
