Soldier on good behaviour after assaulting daughter

 A MILITARY officer has been put on a good behaviour bond after assaulting his daughter. 

Major Jehn Lepus, 45, the second in command at the Igam Barracks in Lae, was sentenced to six months in prison. But Justice Sao Gabi suspended the sentence on the grounds that:

l He enters into his own recognizance to keep the peace;

l Be of good behaviour for a period of two years;

l His bail money of K200 be converted into surety to keeping the peace. It can be refunded at the expiry of the two years.

Gabi said the maximum penalty for the offence was three years but he had expressed remorse for his actions and asked the court for leniency and a non-custodial sentence.

“The mitigating factors are that the prisoner pleaded guilty, that he is a first time offender and that he expressed remorse,” the judge said. 

“During the record of interview he cooperated with the police and admitted the offence readily.”

Gabi however said the aggravating factor was the use of violence to discipline the daughter.

“The use of violence to resolve disputes in the family or the community is becoming common in the country,” he said.

“This is a dangerous trend and must be addressed seriously. Assaulting a child to discipline him or her is unwarranted.”

The court heard that on August 29, 2009, Lepus assaulted his daughter at the family home after getting angry with his wife.

The girl suffered multiple bruises to her face and back and had to seek treatment at the hospital.