A man in his late twenties has been sentenced to 38 months in prison after pleading guilty to sexual offences against a 13-year-old girl he first contacted through social media. According to Antigua News Room, the court heard the case on Wednesday before handing down the sentence.
The man made initial contact with the child online in early 2022, and an exchange of messages followed. During those conversations, the girl disclosed that she was 13 years old. The man claimed to be 25 and continued to pursue her despite knowing her age.
He subsequently arranged to meet the child at a secluded location near her home. In April 2022, he engaged in sexual intercourse with her at that location. A second offence occurred in July of the same year.
The abuse came to light in November 2022 when a report was filed with police, triggering an investigation that led to the man's prosecution.
As reported by Antigua News Room, his trial began in January of this year but was cut short after just two days when the defendant changed his plea to guilty. The change followed the court's refusal to rule his earlier confession inadmissible.
The court sentenced him to 38 months in prison on Wednesday.
