Elderly Belgian jailed to 20 years for defiling young Kenyan girl

An elderly Belgian who defiled a 13-year old girl has been jailed for 20 years by a Mombasa court.

Perniaux Allan Rober, 59, was handed the 20-year sentence for one count of defilement and a further six months for engaging in child labor.

Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate James Omburah said the in a ruling received on Thursday that the prosecution had fully proved the case beyond doubt. "The prosecution has proved her case through their witnesses," said Omburah.

The girl's mother, Sidi Kyalo who was also found guilty of two counts of child neglect and benefitting from child prostitution was also jailed for three years and six months.

Omburah said the prosecution had proved its case against the two beyond reasonable doubt.

"I find the evidence of the child consistent and there is no doubt that the accused defiled the minor, this stiff sentence is a warning to tourists exploiting innocent children," said Omburah.

The prosecution testified that Rober forced the girl to perform oral sex on him and also subjected her to penetrative sex on diverse dates between 2010 and July 14, 2012.

He also took naked photographs of the girl for his sexual gratification. According to the complainant's testimony in court, she first met Rober while selling her grandmother's mangoes at Serena area in Shanzu early last year.

She said her mother begged for money from the Belgian who told them to follow them to his three bedroom apartment in Shanzu for the money.

"When we reached his house Rober told my mother to take off her clothes and took photographs of her naked body and paid her 5.8 U. S. dollars," said the complainant during her testimony.

Her mother was convicted for forcing her daughter to work for the Belgian every weekend and for not taking any action on her reports of defilement.

Rober's lawyer Vincent Omole said his client was unfairly treated and said he will appeal the ruling.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund, some 30,000 children in Mombasa, Kilifi, Malindi, Ukunda and Kwale are being exploited in the sex industry.