Retired teacher in St Vincent jailed over assault of 13-y-o boy

A retired school teacher in St Vincent has been sentenced to two years and seven months in prison after being found guilty on multiple counts of indecent assault involving a 13-year-old boy.

Sixty-five-year-old John Clyde Fitzpatrick was convicted on four counts when the matter was heard before a magistrate's court.

According to police, the offences were committed between September 2024 and January 2025.

The case was heard in camera to protect the identity of the minor, and authorities said limited details could be released due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

"Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the need to protect the identity of the minor, further details cannot be disclosed at this time," a police statement said.

The authorities noted, however, that all legal procedures were followed to ensure justice was served.

Fitzpatrick was charged under Section 127(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment for indecent assault involving a child under 15.

The law also makes it clear that a child under the age of 15 cannot legally give consent in such cases.

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