Francis Iwuchukwu 
Justice Rahman Oshodi of a Lagos Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja, has sentenced a man, David Charles, to eight years imprisonment over assault and indecent treatment of a 10-year-old girl.
The judge passed the verdict after finding Charles guilty of the charge made against him by the Lagos State Government (LASG). In his judgement, Justice Oshodi sentenced Charles to seven years imprisonment on count one and one-year imprisonment on count two.
The judge held that the sentence shall run consecutively by the plea bargain agreement between both parties, adding that the total term of imprisonment shall be eight years.
In declaring that the sentencing should commence from the date Charles was remanded which is October 10, 2017, Justice Oshodi held that, “This takes into account the time he has already spent in custody”.
“In the light of the nature of the offence in count one and by the relevant provision of Section 32 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021, this court orders that you, David Charles, be registered as a sex offender.
“Mr Charles, the sentences imposed today reflect the gravity of your offences, particularly the exploitation of a vulnerable child. “The consecutive nature of the sentences underscores the severe and distinct nature of each offence.
“I hope that during your period of incarceration, you will reflect deeply on your actions and their impact on the victim and society at large.
The court also trusts that you will take advantage of any rehabilitation program”, the judge further held. According to the charge designated ID/6934C/2018, Charles was initially arraigned on July 28, 2021, over allegations bordering on defilement and indecent treatment of a child and had pleaded not guilty.
Charles was said to have sometimes in April 2017 at No. 16, Aina Street, Shogunle, Oshodi, Lagos, indecently treated a 10-year-old girl by touching her lap with his penis and exposed her to pornography.
The offence is contrary to Section 135, 170 and punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Law, Ch, C.17, Vol. 3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The trial had commenced and the prosecution had called witnesses while the defendant had testified before he opted for a plea bargain. Charles was thereafter re-arraigned on an amended two counts bordering on indecent treatment of a child and assault. He pleaded guilty to the two counts and the court upheld his plea.
