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Australian pedophile gets 15 years' imprisonment in Bali
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Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis, 70, listens to an interpreter while standing trial at the Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. A panel of judges sentenced him to 15 years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually abusing 11 children. (Antara/Wira Suryantala)
T
he Denpasar District Court on Tuesday sentenced 70-year-old Australian pedophile Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis to 15 years’ imprisonment, less than the 16 years sought by prosecutors.
The panel of judges found Ellis guilty of sexually abusing 11 children.
"Defendant Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis is proven guilty of sexually abusing children. The court sentences the defendant to 15 years’ imprisonment and requires him to pay Rp 2 billion [US$153,947] in fines," said presiding judge Wayan Sukanila, adding that should Ellis fail to pay the fine, his prison time would be extended by six months.
Sukanila said the defendant’s crime may have destroyed the victims' futures and may have affected Bali’s tourism industry.
During the trial, the defendant admitted his wrongdoings and promised not to repeat his crime.
While reading the verdict, the panel of judges called on people to remain alert regarding the island’s visitors, who may have the intention to destroy Bali’s young generations.
Ellis’ lawyer Yanuar Nahak said his client would appeal at a higher court. "The sentence was too heavy and we will appeal to get justice," Yanuar said.
Ellis was arrested in January for abusing children between 2014 to 2015. He drew in his victims by offering them gifts. (bbn)
