BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Magistrates’ Court yesterday sentenced a man to serve three years and six months in jail with three strokes of the cane he pleaded guilty to having sex with an underaged girl three years ago.

In her verdict, Magistrate Hjh Ervy Sufitriana Hj Abdul Rahman said even though the sexual intercourse was consensual, it does not mitigate the defendant Canedey Mice Anak Damiam’s conduct as the offence of unlawful carnal is a serious offence.

“The court will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable girls lightly,” said the magistrate.

The court document submitted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Sharon Yeo stated that Miss X, a 13-year-old girl then, was confronted by her mother about a mobile phone which contained sexually suggestive text messages on July 18, 2011.

Miss X admitted to her mother that she had a boyfriend and had been sexually active with the defendant.

Canedey, who was aged 30 then, was subsequently arrested after the victim’s mother reported the matter to the police.

When questioned by the police, Canedey admitted that he had sexual intercourse with the victim on three separate occasions, some time between April and May, and July 9 and 17, 2011.

Canedey further confessed that he had been in love with the victim since she was 10 years old.

Following the sentencing yesterday, the magistrate ordered the defendant to serve the jail term with effect from the time he was first remanded.

The Brunei Times