Court orders labourer flogged for two days for sexually assaulting two years old baby
An Akure Magistrates’ Family Court has ordered 40 years old Peter Jude to be flogged for two days for sexually assaulting a two-year-old baby.
The court also sentenced Jude, a labourer, to two years imprisonment with hard labour.
Jude reportedly committed the offence on July 14, 2024, at Dele Ojo Camp, at Uso, Owo local government area.
It was mother of the victim who caught the defendant on top of her baby and he has already discharged semen on the baby’s vaginal.
Jude pleaded guilty to the one count charge of indecent sexual assault preferred against him.
He, however, begged the court for leniency.
Jude was employed as a labourer by the baby’s father.
The prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, said the offence contravenes Section 3(1) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibitions ) Law 2021.
According to the prosecutor,
“The mother of the victim detected that there was fluid of semen on her baby’s vagina when he met the defendant on top of her.
“ The defendant was living with the victim’s father. He carried the baby to the room when she was asleep. He pulled down his shorts and tried to penetrate the vagina of the baby. But in the process discharged on her.
“ When arrested, the defendant was transferred to the Gender-Based Unit of the State Criminal Investigative Department (SCID), for thorough investigation where he was charged and cautioned.
“The baby was, thereafter, taken to the State Reference Hospital for medical check-up, where a report was issued and he was subsequently charged.”
Presiding Magistrate, Mrs B.A Alphonso, convicted and sentenced Jude to two years imprisonment with hard labour.
According to her, “Taking the prevalence of the offence, the court has to set an example to serve as a deterrent to others.
“ The defendant is hereby, sentenced to two calendar years with hard labour and he should be whipped for two days.”
