By Jeune Bailey Van Keric

JUSTICE Jo Ann Barlow imposed a 25-year sentence on  Wazir Ali, aged 26 years, of Lot 50 Martin Luther Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice, some  three weeks after a  mixed jury returned a majority verdict convicting him  of sexually penetrating  a then 17-year- old girl who has  a speech impediment, but who is not mentally retarded, as was previously reported .

The sentence drew deafening wails from relatives of the convict who, at the passing of the sentence, remained motionless in the dock.

Moments earlier, the judge, after listening to the probation report and a plea of mitigation, said her intention was to impose a sentence that is appropriate and which would send a strong message to would-be offenders.

Addressing the convict, Barlow said, “You were brought up in a house with religious teaching, but you turned your back on that and took advantage of the victim who, not only did she have a speech impediment, but her thinking was below her age ….You took advantage… In everything that we do there are consequences.”

“…Though sins are forgiven, the court have to send a message to would-be perpetrators….the appropriate sentence is 25 years…” she said.

Following the traumatic and painful experience, the young woman suffers from frequent nightmares, and has reportedly attempted suicide on numerous occasions. Further,she became very aggressive towards her peers and had spent many days in the sick bay at her school, since she was unable to deal with the situation.

In his mitigation plea, Defence Counsel Charrandas Persaud, while asking that justice be tempered with mercy,  noted that the probation report described his client as one with an exemplary character who influences his peers, colleagues, and church members , even though he refrained from going to the place of worship due to the court’s restraining order .
Three weeks ago,  Wazir Ali, also known as  Ali, ‘Bucko’ or ‘Electrician’, was found guilty of the offence by a jury vote of 11 to one. The offence was committed between March 26,  and April 7, 2015, in the County of Berbice , during which time he  engaged in sexual penetration with a 17-year-old girl without her consent.

The victim had attended church during the Easter period, when Ali, a driver attached to the religious organisation, was tasked to transport members to their respective homes after the service.

But, instead of dropping the teen off at her stop, Ali proceeded to take the other occupants to their homes before stopping Minibus PHH  5246 in a desolate area and asking the victim for sex.

State Prosecutor is Ms Tuanna Hardy.