Sentences run concurrently

I was pleased reading the headline that two men will be jailed a total of 75 years for raping two underage girls in 2010. Unfortunately on further reading, the sentences are to run concurrently. One man was sentenced 15 years and two strokes for each of his two offences while the other received 15 years and two strokes for each of his three offences.

In reality each man would serve less than 15 years as good behaviour while in prison might shorten their stay there. Their defence counsel has requested for a stay of execution pending an appeal. If the appeal is successful, they will be free men again.

A crime has been committed and two teenage girls are the victims. I do hope that the sentence would run consecutively if the appeal is unsuccessful and the men are found guilty without any doubts at all. A consecutive sentence effectively means that the men aged 36 and 38 would at least spend 30 years in jail. That should be ample time to reflect on what they have done to the girls who were 13 and 14 in 2010.

Why do some people take advantage of those who are underage? Adults should be protecting and guiding them not abusing the power they have over these children. Yes, they are children even if they are physically well-developed. It is a sign of the progress that we have made and enjoyed under the guidance of our beloved leaders that most children are well fed and reach their physical maturity quite early.

The mental maturity is a different kettle of fish. The girls were lured by promises of prepaid top-up cards and one man even gave the girls RM30 in exchange for sex on several occasions. RM30? That amount does not buy much in KLCC and I guess the girls need topping up quite often.

Image from elizabethely