JUSTICE Jo-Ann Barlow on Wednesday sentenced a 61-year-old man to 15 years in jail for three counts of rape committed on a 15-year-old boy.

The man, however, claimed he suffered from erectile dysfunction and is incapable of committing the crime.

In October, Laldeo Jagdeo called ‘Basha’ was found guilty by a 12-member jury of engaging in sexual penetration with the 15-year-old boy between September – October 2019, in the county of Essequibo

During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday at the Suddie High Court, Jagdeo swore before the court that he was innocent of the crime, stating that he has problems with erections.

“Ma’am, my erection gone since I turn 55,” the now-convicted man told the court.

In handing down her sentencing, Justice Barlow considered the prevalence of such offences here in Guyana, and the fact that Jagdeo took advantage of the closeness he shared with the victim and his family.

She highlighted that the victim worked with Jagdeo on weekends and holidays to earn an income to help support his family.

Jagdeo was sentenced to 13 years in prison on the first charge, 13 years on the second charge, and 15 years on the third charge.

However, given that the sentences will run concurrently, he will only spend 15 years behind bars. The judge further ordered that Jadgeo undergoes counselling for sex offenders while in prison.