The Dowa First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced a 60-year -old man to a six-year jail term with hard labour for defiling a 4- year old girl.

On Thursday, the court through state prosecutor Sub-inspector Benedict Mathambo heard that the convict, Stuart Banda committed the offence in Chinkhadze village Traditional Authority Chiwere early this month when the victim had gone to watch a football match in the village.

The convict pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement.

Passing his judgement , First Grade Magistrate Amran Phiri said the offence was serious and sentenced the convict to a six year jail term with hard labour to deter other would be offenders.