A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a six-year-old girl in Gunjur.

The teenager, who is a neighbour of the victim, committed the offence after the girl’s mother dropped her off at their compound before going out.

According to the prosecution, the teenager lured the girl into his bedroom and sexually assaulted her.

Days after the incident, the girl complained to her mother of pain while urinating. Her mother subsequently noticed bruising around her genital area and took her to a local health centre.

The matter was later reported to the police, who arrested and questioned the teenager. He reportedly admitted to the offence and was subsequently charged with rape.

During the trial, the accused’s confessional statement was read in court, after which he pleaded guilty to the charge.

In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Peter Che condemned the offence as “a barbaric act” and noted that child sexual abuse was becoming increasingly common in The Gambia.

He said the sentence would “send a strong signal” to other minors who may contemplate committing similar offences.