(CMR) A 40-year-old man was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison by a Guyana high court judge for the 2022 rape of a nine-year-old girl.
High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon speaking about what the child endured at the hands of the rapist, made it clear that Orlan Roberts deserved the maximum penalty. Roberts will have to serve 18 years before he is eligible for parole.
According to local media reports, Justice Kissoon called Roberts out for his actions, which he likened to beastly tendencies.
Reports are that on July 4, 2022, Roberts, who was staying with the child's family, sexually assaulted her while she was asleep at her home. The child woke up during the ordeal, which was also witnessed by her younger sister.
Roberts reportedly threatened to rape the sister, too, if she raised the alarm, but despite the threat, the girl screamed for help. He had reportedly blamed alcohol for the crime. He was later arrested and charged.
In February, Roberts pleaded guilty but later changed his plea to not guilty. During the trial, both the victim and her younger sister, who witnessed the assault, testified.
The judge dismissed arguments that the incident was attributed to alcohol intoxication, deeming Roberts' guilty plea tactical in light of the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution.
Justice Kissoon said that rape, especially against minors, is an unforgivable crime and described Roberts as a “predator”.
The judge highlighted the conclusive findings of the medical examination, which revealed injuries consistent with sexual assault.
In her impact statement, the child detailed the profound trauma inflicted upon her life, urging the court to impose the harshest penalty possible.
However, Robert's lawyer pleaded for leniency, citing Roberts' purported religious convictions and potential for rehabilitation. Roberts himself expressed remorse and pleaded for forgiveness.
However, Kissoon pointed to the severity of the crime, handing down the maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Additionally, the judge ordered Roberts to undergo rehabilitation programs for sex offenders and alcoholics during his incarceration.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid