Lindener gets life sentences for raping child
Trade Unionist: Micah Williams at the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday afternoon (Joseph Allen Photo)
Trade Unionist: Micah Williams at the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday afternoon (Joseph Allen Photo)

TRADE unionist Micah Williams was sentenced to two life sentences on two counts of sexual activity with a child, said a family member, when the matter was decided in the Sexual Offences Court in the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday afternoon.

In handing down her sentence, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow told the court that the life sentences will run concurrently and he will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years imprisonment.
According to the state’s case, on January 1st and 31st, 2016, the accused engaged in sexual penetration with a child under age 16 years when she was only eight-years-old.

The 34-year-old Linden resident when asked what he had to say to the court stated that it was the most terrifying day of his life and he claimed he did not commit these acts. He related that he cannot understand how a jury could arrive at such a verdict.
Trial judge, Jo-Ann Barlow told the court that she cannot be lenient with the accused, since he did not take his role of a father as he should and be a role model.

She said, “You cannot claim ignorance of sexual abuse, but during the trial you testified that you were an advocate against these very acts, noting that you were involved in campaigns and knew of the impact it would have on victims and what it does to people.”

Justice Barlow added that the accused was aware of the consequences of his action and it is a clear violation, since charity begins at home and he could have dealt with his home before going out there to advocate same. She however, ordered him to undergo any rehabilitation for sexual offenders while in jail that may be available.

Meanwhile, in his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Asa Stuart-Shepherd told the court that the trade unionist is the sole breadwinner of his home/family and is an active member of his community. He added that it was his first offence of its kind and asked the court for leniency and mercy in his sentencing on Tuesday afternoon, after a 12-member jury deliberated for more than two hours before arriving at the verdict.
The impact statement from the virtual complainant (VC) which was prepared by a counsellor from Child Link and was supposed to be read in court was not allowed by the judge because the VC did not affix her signature.

 

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