March 2006

Nailsworth man jailed for abusing schoolgirl

MARTIN Tshisekedi has been jailed for sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl at his Nailsworth home.

The 46-year-old was found guilty last month of touching the girl sexually and without her consent in July last year.

He was jailed for a year at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday.

But Tshisekedi, of Lawnside, Nailsworth, has always maintained his innocence, the court heard.

After reading a pre-sentence report, Judge Jamie Tabor QC was satisfied that Tshisekedi did not represent a continuing danger to children.

“I do not believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest he has paedophile tendencies or that what he did was grooming,” said the judge.

“I have had the benefit of reading a number of testimonials from persons with children who trusted him implicitly with their children.

“I believe this offence was a moment of madness, probably fuelled by having a bit too much to drink and after a row with his wife.”

Tshisekedi must sign the sex offenders register for the next 10 years.

During the trial, prosecutor Mark Worsley, said Tshisekedi touched the girl sexually while watching TV at his home.