Brno court issues statement explaining light verdict for rape of minor

The Regional Court in Brno has issued a public statement explaining the reasons for the three-year suspended sentence it issued to a man who sexually abused his stepdaughter over a longer period of time.  The court said it had taken into account that the man had a clean criminal record, was not a rapist or sexual predator and the initial impulse for sex had come from the victim who allegedly wanted to get back at her mother. Court experts also alleged that the psychological damage to the victim was of a milder nature with a positive prognosis for the future, the court said. The verdict evoked public outrage when the media reported on it adding that the victim had attempted suicide after the court's ruling and was in a mental hospital.