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Ex-teacher aid in Samoa jailed for sex with girls with special needs

A 37-year-old man, accused of having sexual intercourse with three students with special needs.has been jailed for five years and three months. The decision was handed down by Justice Elizabeth Aitken in the Supreme Court on Friday afternoon.A name suppression is in place to protect the identity of the three young victims.The man, who was caught in the United States of America, and flown back to Samoa to face the charges, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of carnal knowledge and four of indecently assaulting female students under the age of 16.The prosecutor was Rexona Titi of the Attorney General’s Office while the defendant was represented by lawyer, Te’o Richard Fa’aiuaso.Two of the victims were 15-years-old at the time of the offense.The offences occurred on 14 separate occasions over period of nine months between January and September 2012 where he had sexual intercourse with girls.The offences took place during and after school hours when the defendant had taken the victims to their homes or had driven them to a group activity.In his final submission, lawyer Te’o asked the Court for leniency.He argued that the defendant did not run away to avoid the Court.He said he left Samoa because his mother, who resides in United States of America, was ill.“He was remorseful for his actions and his involvement in the incident,” said Te’o. “This is the first time he has appeared in Court.”He said the attempt by his client to commit such an offense was “out of character.”Justice Elizabeth said among the aggravating features of the offending was the fact the three separate victims had special needs.At the time of the offending, he was a teacher aid for the school and the driver as well.