High Court Judge Annabel Mtalimanja has increased a custodial sentence for a convict of defilement from 11 years to 45 years.
Levison Harlod, 33 was convicted of defiling a four old child on 28th December, 2019 after her mother had gone for prayers.
According to the evidence brought by the prosecution in court, the victim said she was raped at the suspect’s house.
The evidence also shows that a test at Kamuzu Central Hospital confirmed that the child was defiled.
In the review of the sentence, Judge Mtalimanja has argued that the accused is a very mature man with three children and its confusing why a grown man would sexually exert himself on such a young child.
According to Mtalimanja, looking at the gravity of the convict’s action, the court has decided to set aside the 11 year sentence and replaces it with 45 years.
Reacting on the review of the sentence, Immaculate Maluza, President of Women Lawyers Association said the new sentence will serve as deterrent to would be offenders.
