School matron gets 18-year RI for sexually abusing disabled student

The Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court, which deals with child abuse cases, on Wednesday sentenced a government school matron to 18 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old student with hearing and speech impairments.

Special Judge Rekha R., who found the accused, Jeen Jackson, 51, of Vilappil, guilty of the crime, also imposed a fine of ₹30000, the default of which would lead to six months’ additional imprisonment.

According to the prosecution led by special public prosecutor Vijay Mohan R.S., the matron sexually harassed the sixth-grade student in the school hostel on September 5, 2019. Another student with similar disabilities had witnessed the abuse, but the accused threatened him not to disclose the incident.

However, two weeks later, the witness divulged the incident to another person. This was noticed by the matron, who again issued threats. This behaviour was observed by other children, who eventually informed the school authorities. The Museum police subsequently registered a case.

Both the survivor and the witness were examined in court with the help of a sign language interpreter. The prosecution examined 25 witnesses and presented 28 documents.