Prime Minister Gaston Browne has pointed to the case of a 12-year-old girl who was reportedly left with herpes after being sexually assaulted by a 59-year-old man as he renewed his criticism of sentences imposed for sexual offences against children.

Speaking on Pointe FM, Browne questioned whether the punishment reportedly handed down in the case adequately reflected the severity and lasting consequences of the crime.

According to the prime minister, the child contracted herpes as a result of the assault, leaving her with a sexually transmitted infection that she will have to manage for the rest of her life. He said the perpetrator received a three-year prison sentence.

“Just over a week ago, we had a 12-year-old who was raped here by a 59-year-old man,” Browne said. “He gave the young lady an STD, herpes, that she has for the rest of her life. And he got three years. Is that justice?”

Browne cited the case as another example of what he considers excessively lenient sentencing for serious crimes, particularly offences involving children.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Highlights Case of Teen Left with Herpes After Sexual Assault.