Nigerian jailed in Australia for ‘sexual intercourse’ with homeless minor

A Nigerian man named Friday Jeremiah was jailed after having sex with a minor in his homeless shelter in Australia.

Jeremiah was sentenced in Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to forcibly inflicting sexual intercourse on a 17-year-old minor who was in his care.

According to the court ruling, the Salvation Army employee must now spend at least six months behind bars for his actions.

The 35-year-old, who left Nigeria for Australia in 2008, will be eligible for parole on December 3, 2024.

“Friday Jeremiah, a therapeutic youth worker, took advantage of the girl’s ‘vulnerability’ to get close to her and have sexual intercourse with her,” the Daily Mail wrote.

“The court heard that Jeremiah had asked the girl ‘what she was into sexually’, which made her feel ‘uncomfortable’.

“The crime occurred when he took the victim from the home to a nearby park, where he grabbed her head and kissed her.”

According to the report, Jeremiah then led the teenager to a tree and pulled down her pants before engaging in sexual activity.

At the trial, it was revealed that Jeremiah left the home and returned there, but told the young girl to wait about ten minutes before returning so as not to arouse suspicion.

However, the teenager could not keep the incident to herself and sent a message to a friend to inform her about the ordeal.

“The court heard that Jeremiah continued to message the victim months after she left the shelter and even sent her a picture of his genitals,” the report said.

“She later sent Jeremiah a message saying their relationship was inappropriate and filed a complaint.”

In his verdict, Judge Andrew Scotting said Jeremiah had acted “falsely” and “secretively” regarding his relationship with the girl.

Scotting also pointed out the “significant age difference” between Jeremiah and the girl and described the Nigerian’s behavior as a “serious breach of trust.”

“The victim was a local resident because she was vulnerable and the perpetrator took advantage of that vulnerability to get close to her and have sexual intercourse with her,” he said.

Although Scotting said Jeremiah had a good work history and was an active volunteer, he sentenced the suspect to nine months in prison with six months’ probation after judging his good character was “impaired to some extent.”