A 26-YEAR-OLD police officer was jailed for three year after he pleaded guilty to attempting to rape a nine year old girl in 2008.
The incident happened at the White River hill top within the premises of the incomplete Australian High Commission residences.
Willie Foa, 24, was charged with one count of attempted rape and indecent assault. He was initially charged with rape.
The High Court heard on the day of the offence the accused was drinking beer with some other men at the Reef Islands settlement at White River.
He gave $2 to the girl to play card games and then checked the girl later and told her she won enough to pay herself packet of twisties.
The accused then took the girl and followed the main road where they met some people who asked them where they were going.
The reply given by the accused was that they were going to the Save Settlement, also at White River.
The accused however led the victim to the hill top and then tried to have sex with her.
The matter was reported to police and the victim was taken to the National Referral Hospital for medical check up.
The rape trial was halted after the victim gave evidence there was no penetration. She said instead the accused used his right small finger into her private part.
This was when the charge of rape was withdrawn and replaced with attempt rape and indecent assault.
The accused then entered a guilty plea.
Judge Francis Mwanesalua when sentencing the accused told him he has breached the trust and the confidence the public has upon him as a police officer.
Three years was imposed for each of the charges but the sentences are to run concurrently, meaning only three years in jail.
Rodgers Tovosia from the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the accused while Rebbecca Christensen from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution appeared for the crown.
By ASSUMPTA PIVA
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
