Associate
Let's hope he is caught and given some community service or probated sentence. That should rehabilitate him and stop him from doing it again! Right folks?
Oh, yeah, we should get him on the sex offenders register too, that'll stop him for good.
OP: I think you should talk to the perpetrator (if caught) and try to understand why he did it. I'm sure you'll realise that he has come from a poor background, broken home perhaps? It's necessary to empathise and realise the force behind his actions. Then you can forgive and maybe..just maybe help him that little bit towards self-improvement. Sometimes they just need a hug.
I am sorry but I dont think they should use the 'background' story, Why would that have anything to do with what he did. He had the intention to get sexual gain! he can make choices of his own, and by doing this he hasnt got any remorse.
He had one plan he was going to do. Carrying the knife is bad enough. Why would he need to understand him never mind talk to him. I would want to pan his head in.