A man who sexually assaulted a ten-year-old girl was on Wednesday sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. Mrs. Justice Marva McIntosh, in sentencing Roy Witter, 36, a farmer and construction worker, of Olympic Gardens, and Siloah, St. Elizabeth, told him that he had committed a very serious offence.

She told Witter that the maximum sentence was life imprisonment, but she would take into account his previous good record. The judge reminded Witter of the close relationship he had with the girl's family and told him that he abused the trust the family had placed in him.

The judge also reminded Witter that he had a daughter who was almost the same age as the girl he sexually assaulted and queried what got into him to embark upon such a disastrous course. A Home Circuit Court jury found Witter guilty last week of carnal abuse.

According to evidence given, in November 2004, Witter, who is also known as 'Leonard Witter' and 'Conman', sexually assaulted the girl. The court was told that Witter used to assist the complainant and her siblings with money to attend school.

Defence lawyer, Dr. Randolph Williams, in his plea for leniency, said Witter was the father of three young children who were dependent on him for support. He asked the judge to bear in mind that Witter had been in custody since November 2004.