Man pleads guilty to raping cousin

National, Normal

A 22-year-old man pleaded guilty at the National Court in Lae yesterday for sexually abusing his 11-year-old cousin at West Taraka, in 2007.
Kaukisa Hassam from Danguang village, Markham, Morobe province, was charged with one count of sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16, pursuant to section 229A of the amended criminal code act.
He appeared before Justice Nicholas Kirriwom.
The court was told that the Hassam had been living with his cousin’s family in the same house.
On Dec 8, 2007, between noon and 1pm, Hassam felt sick and decided to sleep in the kitchen.
While they were telling stories, Hassam proceeded to lift his 11-year-old cousin’s skirt and sexually penetrated her.
The court was told that the circumstances were aggravating because the victim was his cousin and the maximum penalty for the crime was life imprisonment.
During the proceeding, Hassam expressed remorse and apologised t
Justice Kirriwom told him that the law prohibits people to have sexual intercourse with their relatives.
The sentencing is set for Nov 5.