Perniaux Allan Rober, 59, was handed the sentence for one count of defilement and a further six months for engaging in child labor. PHOTO/ XINHUA FILE
MOMBASA, Kenya, Dec 12 – An Elderly Belgian national who defiled a thirteen-year-old girl been jailed for 20 years at the Shimo la Tewa prison by a court in Mombasa.
Perniaux Allan Rober, 59, was handed the sentence for one count of defilement and a further six months for engaging in child labor.
Mombasa Senior resident magistrate James Omburah said the prosecution had fully proved the case beyond doubt.
The girl’s mother, Sidi Kyalo who was also found guilty of two counts of child neglect and benefitting from child prostitution was also jailed for three years and six months.
Omburah said the prosecution had proved its case against the two beyond reasonable doubt.
“I find the evidence of the child consistent and there is no doudt that the accused defiled the minor; this stiff sentence is a warning to tourists exploiting innocent children,”said Omburah.
The prosecution testified that Perniaux forced the girl to perform oral sex on him and also subjected her to penetrative sex on diverse dates between 2010 and July 14, 2012.
He also took naked photographs of the girl for his sexual gratification.
According to the complainant testimony in court, she first met Allan while selling her grandmother’s mangoes at Serena area in Shanzu early last year.
She said her mother begged for money from the Belgian who told them to follow him to his three bedroom apartment in Shanzu for the money.
“When we reached his house Allan told my mom to take off her clothes and took photographs of her naked body and paid her Sh 500,” said the complainant during her testimony.
Her mother was convicted for forcing her daughter to work for the Belgian every weekend and for not taking any action on her reports of defilement.
Mr Perniaux’s lawyer Vincent Omole said his client was unfairly treated and said he will appeal the ruling.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, some 30,000 children in Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Ukunda and Kwale are being exploited in the sex industry.
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