Mangaluru: The sixth Additional District and Sessions Court, which is also the special court for rape cases, has convicted a 25-year-old man for sexually assaulting a 22-year old neighbor. This is the fourth conviction by the court since its inception in January.

Judge S.H. Pushpanjali Devi found Sathish, a resident of Balthila village in Bantwal, guilty of sexually assaulting Sowmya on February 25, 2013.  The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on Friday.

According to the charge-sheet filed by Bantwal police, when Sowmya was on her way home after visiting her aunt in Manipal, Sathish allegedly dragged her to an isolated place and attempted to rape her. But, when she resisted, he strangled her neck and killed her. The dead body of Sowmya was found in a pond situated at the end of a steep road. While Sowmya’s mobile was found on the road, her bag and shawl were found near bushes along the road.

A day after the incident, the police arrested Sathish, who admitted to committing the crime. 

Prosecutor Shivaprasad Alva argued before the judge to award a life sentence until last breath, contending that he would be a menace to society if let off. He cited that a year before Soumya’s death, Satish had attempted to molest her and also had tried to molest another child.

The judge examined 26 witnesses including her mother and neighbors before pronouncing the judgment.