Soldier receives lenient sentence for sexual assault
Military court sentences a soldier in the IDF's intelligence division to only 2 months in prison for sexual assault, partially due to his contributions during his military service and display of remorse.
A soldier in the IDF's intelligence division who was convicted of sexual assault received a lenient sentence, partially due to his contributions to national security.
The incident took place in Beit Hachayal in Tel Aviv when the soldier was sleeping in a room with another soldier. At some point during the night, a female soldier joined the bed of the second soldier and according to the indictment, the female soldier woke up shocked to find the defendant groping her body.
The convicted individual was then indicted and put on trial. The plantiff wrote to the judges, telling them that since the incident, her life has changed.
"I went back to live with my parent. I can't seem to move forward from this." She requested that the judges take a hard line against her attacker, mainly to deter others from committing similar assaults.
During the trial the commanding officers of the defendant gave testimony, saying that during his service he significantly contributed to national security and performed his duties with notable distinction.
They also stressed that he suffered from health problems that could have warranted permission excusing him from service, but he insisted on being enlisted.
The prosecution and defense reached a plea bargain in which the convicted man admitted to his actions in exchange for a more lenient punishment.
The judges sentenced him to three months incarceration, two of which will be served in prison while the other will consist of military work. He will be exempted from receiving a criminal record, meaning his civilian life will not be affected by the incident.
They reasoned that they decided on this verdict after considering his lack of past criminal offences, his enlistment into the IDF, the contribution he made to national security and the praises he received from his commanding officers, in addition to his admission of guilt and his show of regret and apology to his victim.
The defense stated that "the court had a positive impression of the defendant's character and gave a brave verdict. For its part, the prosecution requested to give a harsher verdict and is currently examining the court's decision and considering whether to appeal.
