Stating that the aggravating circumstances “far outweighed” any mitigating factors; and having regard to the vicious manner in which he attacked and raped his victim, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry has visited Ronald Armstrong with two life sentences.
Referencing the facts presented before her at the trial, the Judge said that the offences prescribed by law for which he had been charged—rape and robbery—warranted the imposition of the life sentences.
At the sentencing-hearing this afternoon, the Judge particularly pointed out Armstrong’s lack of remorse and refusal to take responsibility for his actions, despite the finding of the jury.
She then informed the expressionless 34-year-old Armstrong that his sentences are to commence after he would have completed a four-year sentence he is already serving for armed robbery. That sentence was imposed on September 2nd of last year.
Last month a 12-member jury unanimously found Armstrong, called ‘Sargie,’ guilty of sexually penetrating the then 20-year-old woman, after breaking into her home where he accosted her at gun-point in her bathroom on January 22nd, 2013,
The panel also found him guilty of using the 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.
At a pre-sentencing hearing just over a week ago, Prosecutor Caressa Henry in an impassioned plea for the convict to be dealt with condignly and made to serve a sentence that would send a strong message of deterrence to potential offenders, begged Justice Sewnarine-Beharry to consider that Armstrong had violated the sanctity of the victim’s home.
“That is the place we are supposed to feel safe,” Henry said, but stressed that it was with utter disregard that the convict broke in and violated the woman in the worst possible way, even as her infant daughter and smaller sister lay asleep in a room just close by.
Those actions, Henry said, were indicative of the convict’s depravity.
For his part, his attorney, Everton Singh-Lammy, referenced probation and prison reports which described his client as a model prisoner. On that point the lawyer opined that Armstrong should be given an opportunity for reintegration to society.
Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Meenawattie Rajkumar, had told the court in her report of the convict that “as personality traits,” “Manipulation stands out;” and that he showed no sign of remorse for his actions but felt regret only for his incarceration.
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 had 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.
At the pre-sentencing hearing, Armstrong had heard from the impact statement of the survivor which was read by Prosecutor Henry; of her struggle to move forward with her life, but equally of her determination to so do.
“You may have wounded my body, but not my spirit. I am alive. I am determined. And I will empower myself,” the court heard from the woman’s statement.
She was intent on also letting him know that it was he to whom blame needed to be ascribed; while adding that she was done blaming herself for what he had done to her.
“For years I was angry at myself. I blamed myself. I questioned everything I did and didn’t do, every action, every thought, every gesture, every word spoken and unspoken…[but] I never blamed the person responsible and who deserves to be blamed. That person is you. I finally allowed myself to be angry with you,” the woman’s statement read.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Demerara.