ABINGDON SOLDIER BIRENDRA LIMBU ESCAPES JAIL AFTER INDECENT FILMING INCIDENT

In February 2012, a disturbing case involving Private Birendra Limbu, a soldier based in Abingdon, came to light at Oxford Crown Court. Limbu, aged 34, was found guilty of multiple charges related to the indecent filming of a teenage girl, a crime that has sparked significant concern and debate over sentencing laws and the justice system's ability to appropriately punish such offenses.

Private Limbu, who resided on Tyne Road near Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, admitted to eight counts of taking indecent photographs of a minor girl. Despite the gravity of his actions, Limbu was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment. Instead, Judge Mary Jane Mowat expressed her profound frustration with the current sentencing legislation, which she felt limited her ability to impose a jail term that would include a rehabilitative component.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mowat explained that she was compelled to impose a supervision order lasting 32 months, coupled with a requirement for Limbu to participate in a sex offenders’ group-work program. She stated, “I could pass a 20-week sentence, but you would come out in 10 weeks without any prospect of a treatment programme or proper supervision.” The judge further clarified that a suspended sentence was not an option because such sentences can only last up to two years, which is insufficient for the duration of the treatment program Limbu needed to undergo.

Her remarks underscored her frustration, saying, “One is rather blocked at every turn,” highlighting the limitations imposed by current sentencing laws. The case drew attention to the apparent rigidity of the legal framework, which many believe hampers the ability to deliver justice in cases involving sexual offenses against minors.

Jennifer Edwards, representing Limbu, argued that her client had already suffered significant consequences, including the loss of his career and possibly his home, as a result of the incident. She emphasized, “Prison won’t achieve anything,” suggesting that alternative measures might be more effective in rehabilitating Limbu.

Interestingly, the defense also pointed out that the charges could have been more appropriately classified as voyeurism, a point that Judge Mowat acknowledged, effectively treating the case as such. Ultimately, Limbu was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years, a standard requirement for individuals convicted of such crimes.

Following the court proceedings, Limbu was set to be formally discharged from the army, marking the end of his military career. The case has raised ongoing discussions about the adequacy of sentencing laws and the need for reforms to better address crimes involving minors and sexual misconduct.