TECH BOSS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED CHILD
A tech industry executive from St Albans has received a prison sentence after being convicted of sexually abusing a minor in London’s Erith district.Sumesh Puthiyaveetil, who previously resided in London before relocating to St Albans, admitted to two charges relating to the sexual assault of a child under 13 years old.
During the hearing at Woolwich Crown Court, it was revealed that the abuse had occurred approximately ten years earlier.
The child's repeated efforts to report the incidents were met with disbelief and denial by the adults around them.
When confronted with the allegations, Puthiyaveetil acknowledged the offenses but warned that he would take his own life if the police became involved, as noted by Judge Charlotte Welsh.
The judge expressed regret that the child's allegations were dismissed and that the child was subjected to emotional manipulation following the abuse.
Puthiyaveetil, aged 49, received a custodial sentence of three years on Friday, May 1.
Ali Naseem Bajwar KC, defending, had urged Judge Welsh to pass a suspended sentence.
“His remorse, his regret and his profound apology to the victim in this case is as deep and sincere as it can be,” Mr Bajwar said.
He said his client had sought help from a psychosexual therapist to "confront his demons” and that the social stigma of his convictions was a substantial sentence on its own.
“He will have to live with this daily as he faces everyone around him – his family, his friends and his work colleagues – that is a very significant punishment,” Mr Bajwar said.
Additionally, it was submitted that the prison sentence would have a disproportionate impact on his family and on the business where he is a partner.
But Judge Welsh said his family would not be destitute if he was sent to prison.
Judge Welsh added: “You have submitted in writing that the business could not survive if you were sent to prison due to the tarnishing of its reputation.
“If there is any tarnishing of the business’ reputation, it is because of your conviction, not because of the sentence I pass.” The judge said that only an immediate custodial sentence could meet the seriousness of this offending.
Puthiyaveetil will serve half of the three-year sentence in custody before he is released on licence.
