A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to one year in prison by the Supreme Court for unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14 year old girl.

The court reveals that the girl had spent three days at the man’s home during the incident.

Even though the court acknowledged they are in a romantic relationship, Justice Beverleigh Joshua told the offender “whether the sexual act was consensual, your actions broke the law. 

The court stated that the defendant and victim were in a relationship that was mutual and known within the community.

“While it is against the law, the emotional relationship reduces the moral blameworthiness of the conduct,” Justice Joshua stated in her judgment .

According to the judgement, the victim continues to express emotional support and affection for the defendant.

“She has not reported any trauma or distress, and supports his reintegration into the community.”

 Justice Joshua emphasized that, regardless of their agreement, the man’s actions constituted a serious breach of the law.

Although the maximum penalty could have been three years, the court suspended two years of the sentence, meaning the man will serve only one year in prison.