A furore erupted in Australia yesterday after it was revealed that a judge failed to jail nine men and teenage boys who pleaded guilty to the gang rape of a 10-year-old Aboriginal girl.
Judge Sarah Bradley said the victim 'probably agreed' to have sex with the men, who were from Aurukun, a violence-plagued Aboriginal community on the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. She also noted that prosecutors had not asked for custodial sentences.
Amid accusations of a gross error of judgment, there were calls for Judge Bradley to be sacked. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he was horrified by her decision. 'I'm disgusted and appalled by the reports.'
'As I understand the attorney general's position, he is examining the case further. I await his determination on that.'
Child sex abuse campaigners said the sentencing delivered an alarming message to potential offenders in Aboriginal communities.
Queensland Attorney General Kerry Shine said that under Queensland law, a child under 12 could not consent to sexual intercourse. Mr Shine called an urgent meeting with the state's Director of Public Prosecutions to discuss what he described as the 'extremely lenient' sentences.
A 28-day appeal period had expired, but an extension is possible.
