The Balapitiya High Court has sentenced four police officers to rigorous imprisonment and fines for the brutal torture of a 15-year-old boy taken into custody over a theft allegation in 2008.

Delivering the verdict, High Court Judge Priyantha Liyanage ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, finding all four accused guilty of subjecting the minor to cruel and degrading treatment while in custody.

Sentences:

• Retired Chief Inspector (1st accused): 8 years’ rigorous imprisonment, Rs. 100,000 fine (6 months’ extra jail if unpaid) and Rs. 100,000 compensation to the victim (1-year extra jail if unpaid).
• Inspector (2nd accused – serving in Elpitiya): 9 years’ rigorous imprisonment, Rs. 100,000 fine (1-year extra jail if unpaid) and Rs. 100,000 compensation (additional 1-year jail if unpaid).
• Sergeant (3rd accused – serving in Kalutara): 8 years’ rigorous imprisonment, Rs. 100,000 fine (1-year extra jail if unpaid) and Rs. 50,000 compensation (further 1-year jail if unpaid).
• Police Assistant (4th accused): 8 years’ rigorous imprisonment, Rs. 100,000 fine (1-year extra jail if unpaid) and Rs. 50,000 compensation (further 1-year jail if unpaid).

The case relates to an incident on 7 March 2008, when the teenage boy was tortured while in police custody.