19-year-old Sentenced to 15-years Imprisonment for Sexually Penetrating A Minor
In a decisive ruling, Justice Adrian Fisher has sentenced 19-year-old Francis Caulker to 15 years imprisonment for the sexual penetration of a 15-year-old girl. The conviction, handed down last Friday, stems from incidents that occurred while both the convict and the victim were members of the Faith Healing Bible Church at Devil Hole, on the outskirts of Freetown.
During the sentencing, Justice Fisher emphasized that Caulker was fully aware of the victim’s age. The court heard how the convict persistently pursued the child for a romantic relationship over nearly a year, despite her repeated refusals. Justice Fisher detailed that Caulker subsequently engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim on multiple occasions in an unfinished building. “The way he executed the plan demonstrates the degree of the convict’s planning,” the judge stated, adding, “There is a reason why children are not permitted to engage in sexual intercourse.”
The judge directly addressed the convict, stating, “You as an adult ought to understand that a child should not be doing that. If you want a woman, there are lots of appropriate adult women out there among which you could have chosen one, but you opted to have sexual intercourse with an underage child, which is wrong.” While the court considered Caulker’s mitigation plea, in which he cited being orphaned and sitting his school exams, Justice Fisher stated that the premeditated nature of the crime warranted a firm sentence, imposing the minimum 15-year term provided by law.
This sentencing aligns with the government’s reinforced commitment to eradicating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Recent legislative and policy reforms demonstrate a dedicated effort to protect women and children, with a particular focus on ensuring perpetrators face the full force of the law. This national priority is powerfully complemented by the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, a pivotal initiative led by the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. The campaign has been instrumental in raising public awareness, breaking the culture of silence surrounding sexual assault, advocating for survivors, and reinforcing the message that the safety and dignity of every girl are non-negotiable.
The judiciary is playing a critical role in translating this national commitment into tangible justice. Courts across the country are demonstrating a firm stance against impunity for sexual offenses, as seen in this and other recent judgments. By handing down substantial sentences that reflect the gravity of the crimes, the judiciary is sending a strong deterrent message and upholding its duty to protect the most vulnerable in society. This robust judicial approach is a cornerstone in the collective effort to achieve a Sierra Leone where every girl can live free from the threat of violence.
In a related case, Justice Fisher also sentenced another convict, Joshua Kamara, to 18 years imprisonment on one count of sexual penetration of a child. In that matter, the court heard that the convict, employed by the complainant, had abused his responsibility of escorting the child to school by repeatedly assaulting her. Justice Fisher noted that Kamara showed no remorse throughout the trial.
State Prosecutor, Lawyer Christopher Cole, represented the state in the case against Caulker, while Legal Aid Board Lawyer, Randy S. Bangura, represented the convict.
