Philenews

Appeal Court Upholds Convictions for Heinous Sexual Offenses Involving a Minor and a Person with Intellectual Disability

Published January 20, 2026, 14:25
Appeal Court Upholds Convictions for Heinous Sexual Offenses Involving a Minor and a Person with Intellectual Disability

The Court of Appeal has upheld the convictions of a man for a series of serious sexual offenses committed against a minor, as well as offenses related to child pornography. The case involved the abuse of a minor who worked as a trainee in the convicted man's barbershop, with the participation of a third person suffering from intellectual disability. The defendant had been initially convicted on 17 counts, including compelling a child under 13 to engage in sexual acts, causing participation in pornographic performances, and producing and distributing child pornography. The offenses were committed between 2014 and 2020. The Court of Appeal dismissed the defendant's appeal, ruling that the sentences imposed on him were fully justified and not excessive. It emphasized that the defendant was the orchestrator of the crimes and that the involvement of the person with intellectual disability did not mitigate his responsibility. The Court of Appeal's decision sends a strong message that the abuse of minors and child pornography will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face severe penalties.