The High Court sitting in Kasungu on Tuesday, convicted and sentenced Christopher Simoni, 28, to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with his 8-year-old niece.

The court heard through Police prosecutor Sergeant Emmanuel Lukasi that the convict committed the crime on January 24 this year when the mother of the girl left her home to Kadondo village to attend a funeral ceremony leaving her daughter with her brother who took an advantage and defiled the girl and further threatened her not to reveal to anyone.

But four days later, the mother noticed something on her daughter and when asked she revealed the whole issue and then matter was reported to Chamama Police Unit and Simoni was arrested.

Appearing in court, Simoni pleaded guilty.

In his submission, Lukasi asked the court to give the convict a stiff punishment as he intentionally planned to commit the offence, thereby traumatizing the child mentally and physically.

In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency, stating that it was just an illusion and was absent minded.

High Court Judge Justice Bruno Kalemba agreed with the state on all presented facts and convicted Simoni to 40 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Christopher Simoni hails from Msasamuka Village, Traditional Authority Wimbe, in Kasungu District.