Father in Zemgale Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Minor Daughter

The Zemgale District Court in Latvia this week sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for sexual abuse of his underage daughter, the Latvian prosecutor's office, which brings charges in criminal cases, reported. To ensure the sentence is carried out, the man was taken into custody in the courtroom.

In addition to the prison term, the court imposed six years of probation supervision, a court-ordered form of oversight.

What the court established

According to the prosecutor's office, between February 2020 and November 2022 the man repeatedly engaged in sexual acts with his daughter, who was under 16 at the time. While in the same bed with her, he touched her body under her clothing and her genitals. In some instances he removed her clothes and continued, even though she tried to stop him.

The court found that the man took advantage of his daughter's helplessness and abused his parental authority and influence. He was aware that, because of the child's age and state of health, she could not fully understand the nature and meaning of his actions or protect herself. By acting this way, he endangered the child's sexual inviolability and morality and hindered her normal physical and mental development.

Compensation

The court ruled that 22,050 euros be recovered from the convicted man in favour of the state. This sum had already been paid to the victim as state compensation.

Prosecutor's appeal

The prosecutor's office urges anyone with even the slightest suspicion that a child may have suffered violence to contact the State Police without delay.