HINDU PRIEST JAILED FOR DOUBLE RAPE
A Hindu priest named Ramanathan Somanathan, aged 41, was sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction for abusing his position by raping a vulnerable woman on two occasions.The court heard that he was employed at a temple in Croydon, south London, and exploited his trust to assault his 29-year-old victim at her home.
The second rape led to her becoming pregnant, after which she chose to have an abortion.
The ordeal caused her significant psychological distress, resulting in multiple suicide attempts and social withdrawal within her community.
Croydon Crown Court described her suffering as severe and stated that the assaults rendered her "a ruined woman." Somanathan received a nine-year sentence for the first count of rape and a 12-year sentence for the second, with both terms served concurrently.
Judge Simon Pratt commented, "You are still considered a threat to women, especially those who are vulnerable.
You abused your esteemed position within the community to gain access to this woman, and I am including in this judgment two other witnesses who have come forward." Detective Constable Rob Buckell from the Sapphire Unit of Scotland Yard spoke about the emotional toll on the victim and witnesses, acknowledging their bravery in speaking out despite social pressures.
The judge pointed out the betrayal of trust involved and indicated that the sentence was close to life imprisonment, given the gravity of the crimes.
The police hope this case will deter others from committing similar offenses.
