Neighbor sentenced to 4.5 years for penetrating 11-year-old girl's genitals and calling her 'wife'

A man, referred to as "A Wei," has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old neighbor with intellectual disabilities. The Tainan District Court found him guilty of opportunistic sexual intercourse with a child.

The incident took place in July 2024 during the summer holidays. The victim, referred to as Xiao Mei, was at A Wei's home playing with his children and enjoying the air conditioning. While alone with A Wei in his room, he allegedly sexually assaulted her by using his fingers. A Wei denied the allegations, claiming Xiao Mei was merely in his room to cool off, though he admitted to calling her "wife."

Xiao Mei, with the assistance of a judicial interpreter, recounted the assault, stating, "A Wei called me wife and put his finger into my private part." The judge considered Xiao Mei's testimony credible, noting that given her age and lack of sexual experience, it would be difficult for her to fabricate such details. Her intellectual disability further suggested an inability to create false accusations.

Further evidence included Xiao Mei's mother reporting that her daughter began touching her private area after the incident, a behavior she had not exhibited before. Medical examinations at the hospital revealed old tears in Xiao Mei's genital area, corroborating the claim of digital penetration. The court concluded that A Wei's actions constituted opportunistic sexual intercourse with a child, leading to the sentence. The verdict is subject to appeal.