A 60-year-old pastor of Assemblies of God Church has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of raping a 10 year old girl in the Northern Division in May 2014.
The girl was living with the pastor’s family and going to school from their home.
While passing his sentence, High Court Judge, Justice Paul Madigan said that the 60-year-old pastor subjected the girl to a series of assaults and indignities over a period of four nights when the pastor’s wife was away for a conference.
In mitigation, the pastor’s lawyer pleaded for leniency because his client is regarded as the father figure in the village.
Justice Madigan said ministers of religion whilst not being regarded any differently in court, have a special role in society to care for the development of their followers and above all to set an example by leading a noble life fitting with their calling.
The judge said the accused clearly failed to live up to those standards.
He said the defence lawyer submits that his client is remorseful despite his written submission that there is lack of remorse demonstrated by the accused person.
Justice Madigan said the age difference of 60 years over 10 years is another significant aggravating factor.
The man has to serve 12 years before he is eligible for parole.
