A 35-year-old mason who defiled an eight-year-old girl in a bathroom was on Thursday sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court.

The court presided over by Ms. Sedina Agbemava convicted Selorm Fianudzi on his own plea. She said although the case did not go through full trial, the convicted person’s intent to defile the victim was in existence, noting “children are not safe”.

The trial judge expressed wonder why Fianudzi could go to the house of the victim and invite her through her brother only to defile her.

She slapped on Fianudzi an enhanced sentence for his conduct.

Prosecuting Inspector Kofi Atimbire said the complainant was the victim’s mother. The complainant and the victim reside at Otinibi, near Ayi Mensah in Accra.

Inspector Atimbire said the accused person was a close friend to the complainant’s husband who is also a witness in the matter.

On April 10, the convict visited the complainant’s husband but was told that he was not around. Fianudzi decided to wait for him.

When the complainant’s husband returned and he was served with food, Fianudzi gave the excuse of leaving the house.

He, however, went out and stood at a corner of the house and when he saw the victim’s elder brother coming out of the house, he enticed him with GH¢1.50 to call the victim for him.

Prosecution said the victim’s brother went to wake his sister who was fast asleep. Fianudzi then lured the victim into a bathroom which was behind the house.

Inspector Atimbire said the complainant who was going to take her bath overheard the victim screaming and when she proceeded to the bathroom, she found Fianudzi naked and having sex with the victim.

Prosecution said the complainant rescued the victim and shouted for help and the convict pretended to be unconscious. When the complainant went to call the husband, Fianudzi was nowhere to be found.

After a fruitless search, the convict was found sneaking into his room and the complainant caused his arrest.