Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Court of Appeal sentenced a man, convicted of molesting a child, to three years in prison. An official source at the Public Prosecution stated that the man was accused of taking the child to an empty area and sexually harassing him.

The Public Morality wing under the Public Prosecution carried out investigations into the incident and that resulted in the arrest of the accused. He was referred to the concerned court after the investigation procedures had been completed.

The source said that the Court of First Instance sentenced the man to one year in prison. Subsequently, the Public Prosecution approached the Court of Appeal to appeal the verdict, and that resulted in the Court of Appeal judgment, awarding the convict a three-year jail term.

The source emphasized the Public Prosecution’s keenness on ensuring the protection of children against crimes. “The Public Prosecution would not hesitate to demand tougher punishment for those who try to exploit or abuse children or commit a felony against them,” the source said.

The Judgment Execution Supervision wing at the Public Prosecution would undertake the task of supervising the execution of the judgment, once it has acquired the final status, so as to ensure justice is delivered promptly, the source added.