Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Penetration of Minor

Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexual Penetration of Minor

Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura of the High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Shekuba Mansaray to fifteen years of imprisonment following his guilty plea to the sexual penetration of a 12-year-old girl.

The defendant was formally charged with a single count of sexual penetration of a child, an offense contravening Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 (Act No. 12 of 2012), as amended by Section 4(aii) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act No. 8 of 2019).

The indictment stated that on August 19, 2025, in Kono District, the accused engaged in an act of sexual penetration with a minor under the age of 18. Upon the charge being read and explained, the defendant entered a plea of guilty.

State Counsel C. R. Sesay requested the court to accept the guilty plea and impose a commensurate sentence. He further noted the accused's history of prior convictions, stating he had been convicted approximately five times within the judicial district.

In his allocution, Shekuba Mansaray expressed remorse for his actions and offered an assurance that he would not re-offend.

Defense Counsel A. O. Kamara argued that the guilty plea demonstrated the defendant's remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation. He petitioned the court for leniency, stressing that his client had fully cooperated throughout the investigation and was genuinely regretful.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Bangura acknowledged the guilty plea, the mitigation submissions, and the defendant's expression of remorse. However, the Judge underscored the gravity of the offense, stating:

"The conduct of the convict is heinous and warrants unequivocal societal condemnation. Such acts jeopardize the physical and emotional well-being of the victim and have the potential to inflict lasting harm, demoralization, and stigmatization. It is imperative that the court adopts a resolute stance to deter similar conduct."

After considering all relevant factors, Justice Bangura imposed a sentence of fifteen years of incarceration on Shekuba Mansaray.