[6]
Section 8 (i) of the Act is about committing a sexual act with a
child, thus constituting an offence. Child for purposes of this Act
under Part III being a person below the age of 16 years and for
purposes of Part IV being a person below the age of 18 years.
[7]
It was argued on behalf of the accused that the trial Court erred in
coming to the conclusion that the accused had the intention to
commit the offence. It was argued that since the accused and his
family were from a feast where they had been drinking it could not
be said therefore that he intended to commit the crime as
drunkenness can nullify intention.
[8]
In response the crown submitted that the penal section does not
deal with the question of intention but possibility of infection.
That there was no need even to consider whether or not a condom
was used, but what remained as a fact was that accused knew of his
HIV status.
[9]
The defence again pointed out that the exact age of the child has
not been established and that the accused was not on his arrest, as
required under the Act, subjected to compulsory testing.