Teenager jailed for raping cousin

AN 18-YEAR-OLD from Milne Bay was jailed four years with hard labour for raping his 13-year-old cousin in March last year.
Waigani National Court Justice George Manuhu, however, suspended sentence and placed the teenager on good behaviour bond for 12 months.
In sentencing on Friday, Justice Manuhu advised the teenager to change his ways or end up in jail again.
The court heard that the teenager had lived with his cousin in the same house and that their mothers were sisters.
“It was submitted that there was an existing relationship of trust. The mitigating factors I take into account are that you pleaded guilty, you are a juvenile and should not be treated as an adult.
“He said the interview record showed that it was not the first time that you had sex with your cousin. When you were caught, it was already a third time.
“What you did is bad and has resulted in a friction between your aunty and your mother. The family members are feeling sorry for you and are willing to reconcile and sort the matter in the Melanesian way which I am leaning towards.
“The offence is serious but, fortunately for you, you pleaded guilty and you were only 17 at that time and it is not proper for me to treat you like an adult,” Manuhu said.
“Your sentence is four years with hard labour. I have taken away one year, seven months and two weeks which was spent in custody.”