Man sentenced to 18 years for raping a minor with special needs

A man that raped a 15-year-old girl with special needs which, consequently, led to a pregnancy, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Criminal Court.  

The man charged in connection to the case is the husband, of the minor's sister. He was charged with sexual abuse of a minor whilst in a position of trust.

Due to the nature of the crime, and to protect the girl's well-being, the convict's identity has not been released to the public.

The case came to light in 2020. The pregnancy was discovered upon testing by doctors, after the minor had missed her menstruation for four months. At the time she was tested, she had been three months pregnant.

The charge states that the 37-year-old brother-in-law raped her on three occasions. 

Although he denied the charge, Criminal Court. after hearing the arguments and evidence put forth by the prosecution, ruled on Wednesday, that it was proven beyond reasonable doubt. The prosecution asked for the harshest punishment befitting his charges.

As per the request, the Criminal Court sentenced him to 18 years in prison. Taking into account the time he was held in custody following the arrest, his sentence is reduced to 15 years, eight months and 11 days.