The worst of excuses

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A 65-year-old man detained for raping a minor is hoping for leniency because he said only the tip of his penis penetrated the girl's vagina, police said yesterday.

Ahmad Amin told police investigators last week he would accept a jail term but stressed the judges should consider the fact that not the whole length of his member was inserted into the girl.

"Only if what actually happened in the field is considered can the court arrive at a truly just decision," an officer quoted Ahmad as telling police investigators.

The alleged rape occurred in a forest Nov. 1 last year when Ahmad met the victim, a 13-year-old neighbor he knew well, while collecting fruit.

He told police the girl aroused his "satanic instincts" when she playfully reached for money inside his pants pocket.

But Ahmad said he suddenly lost his desire halfway through the assault. (yac)