A disturbing case of paedophilia has come to light, with a 34-year-old man being let off without a prison sentence after sexually abusing a toddler while watching television. The shocking incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter laws and tougher punishment for such heinous crimes. In this article, we delve deeper into the case and examine what needs to be done to ensure that justice is served in such cases.
Cahill McDonald, 34, has been sentenced to three years of probation and 60 hours of community service, as well as being ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years and given a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order. McDonald pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 on dates between June 14, 2019, and April 13, 2020. The court heard that McDonald had even molested the toddler as they sat on a sofa watching television when the child’s mother was in the next room. The victim told his mother that McDonald had touched him, and there was also evidence that the defendant moved his hand from under a blanket or rug while on the sofa with the child.
Sentencing McDonald, Judge Gordon Kerr KC stated that it was clear that “this has had a significant affect on the child”, who has become withdrawn at a crucial time of his development. Although reports suggested that McDonald performed “well below average” in terms of intelligence, there was “nothing in the evidence to suggest he didn’t know what he was doing was wrong.” Despite McDonald’s denial of having any sexual interest in children, probation services assessed him as a “high priority for intervention”.
While the judge believed that a 12-month jail term was appropriate, guidelines dictated that where a sentence was under 12 months, “the court should consider an enhanced combination order” of community service and probation. The court was told that McDonald had multiple testimonials and references which showed that “he is extremely highly thought of.” Consequently, Judge Kerr imposed an enhanced combination order to McDonald. The paedophile was given three years of probation and ordered to complete 60 hours of community service. The judge also warned him that if the terms of his sentence were breached, he would be jailed.
