assaulting a young girl.

The Pembroke parish man pleaded guilty to touching with a part of his body, the body of a girl under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose while he was in a position of trust, and touching with a part of his body, the body of a girl under the age of 16 for a sexual purpose, both on August 15.

The defendant kissed the 12-year-old girl on the mouth and touched her breasts on several occasions.

He was not represented by a lawyer and a social inquiry report which had been ordered at his last court appearance on September 14 was now before the court.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner told him that these were very serious charges carrying a maximum sentence of five years.

Mr. Warner had read the social inquiry report and conceded it would not be of much help to the defendant and he said the only mitigating factors apart from his guilty plea was his age and state of health.

He had no reply and simply said: "I'm awfully sorry for what happened.'' Mr. Warner asked him if he had understood what he had said and again asked if he had anything to say, but he did not.

"One of the ways in which these offences are dealt with is treatment while in custody, but I don't think treatment is a viable option to you at your age,'' said Mr. Warner.

He continued: "I have looked at all the options and one of the most potent and effective is one of punishment.

"Along with punishment, there is the aspect of treatment and of course I can make an order for treatment,'' said Mr. Warner.

The man was asked if he had any medical conditions which would warrant a more lenient sentence, and he said he had a bladder problem and poor circulation and he had an operation about two years ago.

Mr. Warner said in the comprehensive report it was noted that the defendant had a drinking problem and as a result these offences were related to alcohol.

It was also noted in the social inquiry report that his mother had died within the last two years and his wife had died only last year. Mr. Warner said: "I'm sure that was a great loss, the ultimate loss, but it doesn't and cannot excuse your behaviour to this young person.'' He added: "It is my information that you have shown little remorse and have not come to terms and accepted what you have done.'' Crown prosecutor Charmaine Smith told the court that the aggravating features of the case were that the defendant was in a position of trust as he committed the crimes in the young girl's home, a place where she felt safe, and it happened more than once.

The defendant was then sentenced to three years in prison on each charge to run concurrently with a recommendation that he be given all available treatment for his sexual deviance.

Mr. Warner said: "I truly feel that in this case there is only one thing left to do and that is in a meaningful way the victims can see this punishment as some sort of closure so they can begin the healing process.''