33-year-old sentenced to five years for sexual abuse of 12-year-old in Lecce, Italy

A 33-year-old man from Salento was sentenced to five years in prison by the Tribunal of Lecce for engaging in sexual acts with a 12‑year‑old girl, the daughter of a family friend who had hosted him during the summer. The court applied a one‑third reduction under abbreviated proceedings and ordered a perpetual ban on any position involving the protection of minors, school duties, and public office, as well as a one‑year prohibition from places frequented by children. The abuse occurred in July 2024 at a seaside home in Porto Cesareo, where the victim was discovered after the mother found the suspect and child together on a terrace. The man showed no remorse, defending the relationship and threatening the mother. The sentencing also included a security measure prohibiting the defendant from approaching minors.

The case drew no civil party participation and highlighted severe psychological impact on the victim, including self‑harm threats during the confrontation with her mother.