Individual jailed for 11 years for sexually assaulting minor

An Individual accused of sexually assaulting a minor has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after entering into a plea agreement with the state.

The accused was charged with intentionally touching the body of a child with sexual intent.

The individual pleaded guilty to the offence and reached a plea agreement with the Prosecutor General’s Office. While plea agreements can provide certain concessions to defendants, the court noted that the sentence in this case was not significantly reduced.

In a ruling issued on 31 December, the Criminal Court found the accused guilty based on his confession and sentenced him to 11 years in prison in accordance with the agreement.

Under Maldivian law, the offence carries a penalty of between 10 and 14 years’ imprisonment.