In a shocking case that has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, a Malaysian child psychiatrist practicing in Ireland has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a teenage girl. Amirul Arif Yunos, 38, pleaded guilty to six counts of engaging in a sexual act with a child, one count of sexually exploiting a child, and one count of meeting a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

According to The Irish Times, Amirul was working with Ireland's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services centre in Clonskeagh, Dublin, at the time the offences were committed. The victim, who was struggling with her mental health, had been referred to Amirul by her parents on an ad hoc basis. The abuse began when the girl was just 15 years old and continued until she was 16, with the final incident occurring in September last year.

The court heard that the abuse started with inappropriate touching and escalated to more serious sexual acts, taking place at various locations, including in a car, at Amirul's home, in the victim's home, and even at his workplace. The victim, in a powerful impact statement, described the abuse as leaving her with "painful and grave trauma" that has had a profound impact on her emotional and psychological well-being.

Judge Orla Crowe, in sentencing Amirul, took into account the aggravating factors of the case, including the accused's grooming behaviour, his professional and social standing, the significant impact on the victim, and the escalating nature of the offences. However, she also considered mitigating factors, such as Amirul's early guilty plea, lack of previous convictions, and expression of remorse.

Initially, Judge Crowe sentenced Amirul to 12 years in prison, but reduced the term to eight-and-a-half years, taking into account the time he had already spent in custody since his arrest.

Source: The Irish Times