Australia
Melbourne Buddhist monk jailed for 13 years for abusing girls
A Buddhist monk aged 71 has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for sexually abusing six girls in Melbourne.
A Buddhist monk aged 71 has been sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for sexually abusing six girls at a temple in Melbourne. Naotunne Vijitha was handed the sentence of 13 years and two months by a County Court judge, following a trial that has drawn significant community attention.
The details of the offences and the specific Melbourne temple where the abuse occurred have not been extensively detailed in initial court summaries, according to reporting by AAP wire services. It remains unconfirmed over what exact period the abuse took place, or the precise ages of the six victims at the time of the offences, as Victorian court proceedings often protect the identities of young victims.
During the sentencing, the County Court judge emphasised the gravity of Vijitha's breach of trust. As a monk, Vijitha held a position of significant spiritual authority within the temple community, a factor that the prosecution argued aggravated the seriousness of his crimes. The court heard that his victims were vulnerable, though further specific details of the impact statements have not yet been publicly released.
The defence had reportedly pointed to Vijitha's advanced age of 71 during the legal proceedings, but the judge determined that a lengthy custodial sentence was necessary to reflect the severity of the abuse and to deter others in positions of authority. It is not yet clear what non-parole period has been set for Vijitha, or where he will serve his sentence within the Victorian correctional system.
Legal observers will be watching to see if Vijitha's legal team decides to lodge an appeal against the severity of the 13-year sentence in the coming weeks.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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