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Italian Judge Downgrades Charges, Gives Five-Year Term in Case of 10-Year-Old’s Assault

The five-year term follows a charge downgrade with a one-third cut under a fast-track trial.

Overview

  • The court reclassified the offense from aggravated sexual assault against a minor to sexual acts with a child, according to Corriere della Sera.
  • Sentencing followed an abbreviated procedure that reduced the penalty by one third, yielding five years after prosecutors had sought six years and eight months.
  • The girl, housed at a Collio reception center, was taken to hospital where pregnancy was confirmed and an abortion was performed after her mother reported behavioral changes.
  • The 29-year-old Bangladeshi defendant admitted involvement, claimed a 'relationship' and no violence, and remained jailed in Cremona for about a year as DNA confirmed his responsibility.
  • Written reasons for the charge downgrade are due within 90 days as figures including Lega’s Simona Bordonali and Matteo Salvini condemn the outcome and press for tougher laws.