CONVICTED child rapist, Clinton Anthony Doris ,was today sentenced to serve twenty-six years in prison for raping a seven-year-old school girl five years ago.

Doris, 37, called ‘Masquerade Man’ or ‘Lally,’ was recently found guilty by a 12-member mixed jury for raping the child on March 27, 2014 in the county of Essequibo.

Justice Joann Barlow, before handing down her sentence, told Doris that she considered that the victim’s age and at the same time the accused  was a grown man, who had children of his own.

Additionally, Barlow told Doris that he used his knowledge to lure the victim to his home with sweets.

“Imprisonment is the only answer,” the judge told Doris as he stood emotionless in the prisoner’s docks as he was handed down his sentence.

Justice Barlow also ordered Doris to undergo conselling as is the case for persons convicted of committing sexual offences.

On Friday, a probation report was read in court following a request which was made by Doris’ attorney, Ravindra Mohabir.

The report, which was read by a probation officer, Anand Sharma explained that Doris had served in the Guyana Police Force but was fired.

He then went to Arakaka, North West District, where he worked as a pork knocker.

Doris,a father of two, was described by villagers as a humble person who loves children and would often purchase sweets for them.

The victim’s impact statement was read in court by Counsellor and Court Support Officer, Celeste Mullin.

The victim, in her statement, explained the she felt terrible for what Doris had done to her and would like for the accused to be jailed so she can feel safe.

Attorney Mohabir, in his plea of mitigation, told the court that his client now resides at Bagotville, West Coast Demerara.

Mohabir begged the court to impose a light sentence onto his client and urged the Court to consider the role Doris plays in his children lives.

The state was represented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave, Sarah Martin, and Seeta Bishundial. The trial was conducted in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court of the High Court in Georgetown.

According to reports, on the day in question, the child was on her way home and while passing Doris’ house, he called out to her and invited her into his home to collect ‘sweetie.’
However, when the child entered the house, Doris raped her and sent her home crying.

Her relatives saw her crying and she told them what Doris had done. The matter was reported to the police and accused was subsequently arrested.