Thirty-three-year-old Ranfred Williams who raped an eight-year girl back in 2015, was yesterday sentenced to 15 years in jail.
A jury convicted him last month on the charge of rape of a child under 16 years; finding him guilty of sexually penetrating the child on May 29th, 2015.
The court heard from the impact statement of the now 15-year-old survivor, the trauma she still endures from the assault which she said has not only left her hurt, but caused her to develop a phobia for men, plagued by the thought that they would harm her.
The teen spoke in her statement read by Prosecutor Paneeta Persaud, of the burden of having to carry what had happened to her, but noted that it is her faith that keeps her grounded in trying to cope with the assault and even talk about it.
She spoke also of being withdrawn at school and not as focused “because the thoughts of what happened to me was steady.”
The young lady said she wants to see Williams imprisoned for what he had done to her.
His lawyer Ravindra Mohabir in a plea of mitigation begged for leniency, advancing for the Court’s consideration, that his client had a previously unblemished record, and has potential for rehabilitation.
Prosecutor Persaud, however, asked that a sentence be imposed which would reflect the nature and gravity of the offence; and which would also send a strong message of deterrence to like-minded offenders.
She also asked the Court to consider the psychological trauma which the teen now still faces and the impact it continues to have on her life.
In imposing sentence, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall noted the impact on the teen’s life and also underscored the position of trust Williams breached and his lack of remorse or acceptance of responsibility for his actions.
She then commenced at a base of 16 years, but said that only 1 year would be deducted for his previous good record.
Along with the 15-year sentence, the Judge ordered that the offender undergo quarterly counselling commencing in January of next year, which is tailored for sex offenders.
The trial proceedings were held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Demerara.
