Genital mutilation acquittal

A WOMAN who had her 13-year-old daughter’s genitalia pierced to make it uncomfortable for her to have sex was acquitted of aggravated child abuse.

The girl, now 16, had testified that her mother also had her head shaved to make her unattractive to boys.

A jury in Naples, Florida, deliberated for about three hours before deciding that the mother’s actions did not involve punishment or malicious intent, or cause permanent damage or disfigurement.

The 39-year-old woman, whose name is being withheld to protect her daughter’s identity, could have faced up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

The girl was not in court for the verdict. Her guardian declined to comment.