A 40-year-old man, was, on Tuesday, sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment on two counts of rape committed on an 11-year-old girl two years ago.

Chandralall Lakhraj called ‘Uncle Pappi’ was sentenced by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Berbice High Court.

Last month, a 12-member jury found him guilty of engaging in sexual penetration with the victim between September 1 and October 9, 2019.

He was also found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the child, by causing her to touch his penis.

Lakhraj was represented by attorney Chandra Sohan while the State was represented by prosecutor Nafeeza Baig.

In his statement to the probation officer which was presented to the court on Tuesday, Lakhraj maintained that he was innocent.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim read her impact statement.

“Since the incident with Uncle Pappi, it changed me like if any strange man come around me, it makes me stay far away from them, not to go close to them… I feel if I go close to them, they might do me the same thing. I don’t expect him to do me that. I believe Uncle Pappi should punish for what he did to me… I felt frighten and afraid,” the victim said.

Meanwhile, Justice Reynolds, while delivering his sentencing remarks, underscored the physical and psychological trauma the victim has had to face, and continues to face.

As it relates to the nature in which the crime was committed, the judge said that the courts must send a message to “big men” who interfere with little girls.

Among other things, the judge said that Lakhraj lacked genuine remorse, and had maintained his innocence. The judge sentenced Lakhraj to10 years on each count which will run concurrently.

According to reports, during the month of September 2019, the victim was placed into Lakraj’s care by authorities after she was removed from her parent’s home due to neglect.

It is alleged that the child was made to sleep in a hammock, while Lakhraj, his reputed wife and two children slept in the bottom flat of the home.

During the period in question, Lakhraj would come to the victim’s hammock and sexually assault her.

The victim later told her school teacher and Lakhraj was arrested.

However, Lakhraj maintained his innocence and claimed that he was working in Suriname when the rape allegedly occurred.