UPDATE: Ninow ‘not a paedophile’ says expert

Dros rapist Nicolas Ninow is not a paedophile.

This is according to a clinical psychologist who testified during sentencing arguments at the North Gauteng High Court today.

Ninow appeared in the court on Wednesday where he took the stand asking for a lighter sentence.

Clinical psychologist Marina Genis said although Ninow committed a crime, he did not have a history of serious criminal conduct.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Ninow rape sentencing could be delayed by up to two months

Genis said according to internationally recognised standards, Ninow did not fit the profile of a paedophile.

“He does not have a sexual interest in children,” she said.

She said that Ninow most likely raped the seven-year-old girl because there was no adult available.

The 21-year-old man pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and possession of drugs.

Genis said during her consultation with Ninow, she found that there were factors that could have possibly contributed to Ninow being a sexual offender.

Ninow was reportedly emotionally and physically neglected by his mother, whom he claims introduced him to drugs.

“Ninow said he was sexually abused at the age of four by a family friend.

“He also said he was abused by one of his mother’s boyfriends,” she said.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: Dros rapist blames drugs

“It was only at the age of eight that he lived in a caring environment with his grandmother.

“If he didn’t have that environment, he probably wouldn’t have finished school.”

Genis said these factors were meant to provide context for the crimes he committed.

They do not excuse him from the crimes, but they may possibly explain why he committed the crime, she said.

“There is a possibility of his own sexual abuse playing a role in the rape.”

She said she believed Ninow would have turned into a different person had he not taken alcohol and drugs and had been abused

Ninow said he started using drugs when he was only 13 years old.

He said he was introduced to drugs by his mother, who also struggled with drug abuse problems.

“He uses drugs to escape his reality,” said Genis.

She said Ninow appeared to be remorseful.

Genis further recommended that he undergoes rehabilitation and gets psychological help; if not, Ninow was at high risk to re-offend.

Prosecutor Dorah Ngobeni argued that since Ninow had been to rehab five times and relapsed before, he was at risk of relapsing and thus posed a danger to society.

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