A man convicted of indecent assault in Tongatapu was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
The Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop was shocked at discovering the man was a worker at a church, implying that the case highlighted the contrast between his position and his criminal actions.
The court was told that this was a serious assault that occurred initially while the complainant was asleep.
“I have been provided with evidence to substantiate the distress which the complainant suffered and is still suffering includes counselling over a protracted period”, Mr Bishop said.
“What is astonishing is that you are said to be a man of impeccable character. A worker in the church respected by all and apparently devoted to work amongst the youth of the church.
How someone of that character can behave as you did is incomprehensible”.
He sentenced the prisoner to serve 36 months of imprisonment with the last 18 months suspended for 18 months on the conditions that:
a. He does not commit any further offence punishable by imprisonment
b. He is placed on probation during the period of the suspended sentence
c. He must reside where directed by a probation officer
d. He undertakes suitable counselling as directed by the probation service
Mr Bishop also said” “I find the appropriate sentence for the housebreaking count is 18 months’ imprisonment given that the intrusion did not result in substantial damage must be served concurrently with the count of serious indecent assault.
Finally, I’m make an order that nothing shall be published which might lead to the identification of the complainant herself, her family, her church or otherwise pursuant to s119 of the Criminal Offences Act”.
