Reformative training for sex offender

A man was sentenced to reformative training for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy at a children's home.

The accused, who cannot be named due to a gag order, was 19 when he asked a young resident of the home to perform oral sex on him outside a toilet cubicle in June last year.

He pleaded guilty to one charge and had a second similar charge taken into consideration.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Adrianni Marhain told the court last month that the victim was outside a toilet cubicle, about to take off his clothes and put them in the laundry basket, when the accused walked in and asked if he was all right. The boy said he was.

The accused then approached the victim and asked him to perform the sexual act. The boy complied, then went to shower. By the time he had finished, the accused was gone.

The youngster subsequently complained to the superintendent, who lodged a police report on July 19.

Ms Adrianni said the accused had taken advantage of a boy who was seven years younger and clearly not mature enough to engage in sexual activities. She said it was further aggravating that the offences occurred in a children's home, where the young victim was entitled to a sense of security.

An Institute of Mental Health report said the boy felt guilty and embarrassed after the incident.

The minimum period for reformative training is 18 months.

The maximum penalty for sex with a person below 16 is 10 years' jail and a fine.

This article was first published on JUNE 3, 2014.
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