First Grade Magistrate Court sitting in Neno has convicted and sentenced 61-year-old retired Primary Education Advisor (PEA) to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for defiling a 16-year-old girl under his custody.

Neno Police Station Prosecutor, Golden Kakoma  has identified the convict as Betino Mpapa who committed the offense from February to April 2023 at his house.

Mpapa pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting the state to parade four witnesses that proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

In submission, the prosecutor said the convict deserved a custodial sentence for proving remorseless and to deter would-be offenders.

“For denying the charge in the first place showed that he was not remorseful hence a right punishment is a custodial sentence,” Kakoma added.

Passing judgment, Magistrate Margret Khobili said besides all the aggravating factors of the case, the convict’s age has made the court to be merciful.

Khobili then sentenced Mpapa to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Betino Mpapa hails from Donda Village, Traditional Authority Chekucheku in Neno.