The Salima Senior Resident Magistrate’s court, has sentenced a 31 year old man identified as Lameck Phiri to 12 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling his 15 year old step daughter.
The court heard that  Phiri had sent other three children to the market before he forced himself on the girl.
Later, the girl reported to a close relation before Phiri was arrested.
In submission, the state prayed for stiffer punishment after considering the increase in number of sexual offences in the district and that the convict failed to perform his role as a parent.
However, Phiri asked for forgiveness saying he is the only breadwinner in the family.