Pedophile gets 8 years in jail

The Buleleng District Court handed down Thursday an eight-year prison sentence and a fine of Rp 60 million (US$5,000) to Grenfield Philip Robert in a pedophilia case, much lighter than the 12-year sentence prosecutors had sought.

"I will appeal the verdict," Robert said after presiding judge Frida Ariani read out the verdict.

Robert appeared calm during the 30-minute reading of the verdict and sentence. He was found guilty of violating Article 82 of Law No. 23/2002 on Child Protection and Article 282 of the Criminal Code, on intentionally forcing sexual conduct against children. But after the verdict, Robert appeared shocked, in stark contrast to his mood before the hearing, when he was seen laughing in the courthouse detention room.

"No comment," Robert told reporters after the sentencing, in apparent disappointment and even refusing to shake hands with his lawyer Ketut Suartana.

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The victims came from poor families

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Suartana said he could not comment either because he had to consult with the rest of the legal team.

Robert's misconduct was uncovered in August 2008 after a child filed a report with the police saying that Robert had molested him.

Following the police investigation, 12 witnesses came forward, revealing 10 victims.

The victims admitted that they had been sexually harassed by Robert at his residence on Jl. Tasbi in Kaliuntu, Singaraja regency.

Robert lured the children, mostly junior high school students, with money and other material goods, then gave them alcoholic drinks mixed with sedatives, before molesting them.

The children were also promised millions of rupiah in exchange for going to bed with him. Most of the victims came from poor families.

Previous cases of pedophilia committed by foreigners here include that of Mario Mannara, sentenced to 10 months behind bars; Max de Clerco, jailed for five years; and Martial Jugler, who received a nine-year sentence.

Alit Kartaraharja , The Jakarta Post , Buleleng | Mon, 03/02/2009 2:18 PM | Bali