Thirty-six-year-old Ronald Armstrong who back in 2013 had broken into a young woman’s home, and accosted her at gun-point in the bathroom, is now awaiting sentencing after being unanimously convicted of not only raping her, but burgling her home as well.
Following hours of deliberations, a mixed 12-member jury unanimously found Armstrong called ‘Sargie,’ guilty of sexually penetrating the then 20-year-old woman without her consent on January 22nd, 2013.
The panel also found him guilty of using a gun to rob the woman of a quantity of gold jewellery, two laptop computers and two television sets.
Among the gold jewellery stolen as stated in the armed robbery charge were seven gold rings, four gold chains, four bangles, two bands, one pair of earrings and a watch.
Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who presided over the trial, has deferred sentencing to June 30th, pending the presentation of probation and other social reports.
The State’s case was that on the day in question the virtual complainant was at home with her baby, and sister, who were sleeping; while she was in the bathroom preparing to get laundry done.
The court heard during the trial that it was at that time that the young woman felt a cold object on her neck and upon turning around came face-to-face with the accused who was armed with a gun and in the company of two other men.
The court heard that Armstrong began demanding gold from the woman while threatening to injure her baby if she did not comply.
The court would further hear that the woman handed over several pieces of gold jewellery which she was wearing at the time, along with some which were stored in a cabinet.
Notwithstanding his demands being met, however, the court would then hear that Armstrong led the complainant into her bedroom where he ordered her to lie on her bed before raping her.
Armstrong and the two men then escaped with the gold jewellery, the television sets and laptop computers from the home.
Armstrong’s defence was that he did not commit the offences.
He was represented by attorney Everton Singh-Lammy.
Meanwhile, the State’s case was presented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Paneeta persaud.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Demerara.
