Court of Appeals increases sentence of Laestadian convicted of child abuse

print this

The Helsinki court of Appeals has increased the prison sentence handed down to a middle-aged man for the aggravated sexual abuse of a child.
      The man, who has been an influential figure in the Conservative Laestadian revival movement, was given a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday. Helsinki District Court handed down a four year sentence in March last year.
     
The Court of Appeals found that the man had sexually abused a relative at least six times between 2003 and 2004.
      The court also found that the actions had been especially humiliating, as the perpetrator blamed the victim, and continued the abuse after that.
     
The prosecution in the case had pushed for a conviction of aggravated rape, which both the lower court and the appeals court rejected, because there was no violence, or threat of violence involved.
      Tuesday’s ruling also increases the amount of monetary compensation for pain and suffering and temporary physical and psychological damage from EUR 20,000 to EUR 30,000.
      He was also ordered to pay EUR 15,000 for mental suffering.
     
the convict had served in a high position in a Laestadian organisation in the south of Finland, and had a position of trust in the SRK, the Central Committee of Conservative Laestadian Congregations.
      At his trials, the man denied committing any crimes. The court ordered that he should be kept in custody.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Laestadians admit mistakes in dealing with child abuse issue (8.4.2011)

Links:
  Leading Laestadian figure charged with serious sex crimes (7.1.2011)

Helsingin Sanomat