The High Court of the Maldives has upheld a 15-year prison sentence handed to a man convicted of sexually abusing his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

The case involved repeated assaults that took place at home, while taking the child to school, and during motorcycle rides. The man was charged with sexual activity with a minor by a person in a position of trust.

The Criminal Court of the Maldives found him guilty, citing forensic evidence from the child’s mobile phone and a psychological assessment report. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The verdict was appealed, with the defense arguing that the lower court’s decision was incorrect. However, the High Court ruled that there were no grounds to overturn the original judgment.