–for carnally knowing a child

JUSTICE Rishi Persaud yesterday dubbed 38-year-old sex offender Gavin Nero as ‘sick’ when he sentenced him to 30 years’ imprisonment for having carnal knowledge of a child.

Nero had pleaded guilty to the charge of rape some days ago when the judge ordered a probation report to accompany sentence.

Yesterday, the accused apologized to the judge for the wrong he had done to the child, pointing out that he had changed his ways, and
requesting leniency.

But the judge, believing that the behaviour of the accused would have a lasting effect on the victim, expressed hope that in the not-too-distant future the authorities would be ready with institutions to house people like the accused, who has psychological problems; and the girl, who would suffer as a consequence.

Called to say something to the court, the victim’s grandmother called on the court not to fall for Nero’s bluff. She claimed that it was not the first time he said he would have changed. According to the woman, he did no such thing, but later attacked a younger girl, the one currently standing before the court.

The Probation officer said the 38-year-old accused is the father of two, and that he was employed as a Special Constable with the Guyana Police Force.

The virtual complainant in this matter is now eight years old. The offence is said to have been committed on February 20, 2012.

(By George Barclay)