A 68-year-old school van driver was sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court for the grave sexual abuse of a Grade 4 student inside his vehicle more than ten years ago.
High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuwidha delivered the verdict on Thursday (18th), imposing the maximum penalty under the Penal Code. In addition, the convict, a father of one, was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 30,000 and compensation of Rs. 500,000 to the victim, with additional prison terms to follow if unpaid.
The Attorney General indicted the accused under Sections 345 and 365(a) of the Penal Code, charging him with aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. The court determined that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Evidence showed the victim had used the van service for nearly two years and was usually the last child to be dropped home. Prosecutors said the driver took advantage of this situation, luring the child with sweets and repeatedly abusing her. The crime came to light when the girl confided in a friend, prompting her mother to confront the driver and file a police complaint.
In sentencing, the judge stressed that the crime was particularly serious because the perpetrator had been entrusted with the responsibility of transporting children safely. He further noted that the offence should serve as a warning to society, underlining the need for parents to remain vigilant about their children’s safety.
