ROOPNARINE Mahadeo, a 23-year-old fisherman, has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape of a 14-year-old girl in January 2021.
The decision was delivered by Justice Navindra Singh on Monday at the Demerara High Court, following the guilty verdict reached by a jury in late November.

The prosecution presented evidence that Mahadeo, who was 20 years old at the time of the assault, sexually assaulted the underage victim between January 1 and 12, 2021.
The court heard that after the rape, Mahadeo transported the girl to another location. Her family reported her missing, leading to her eventual discovery and transportation to the police station.

However, Mahadeo denied kidnapping and raping the teen. However, the jury found him guilty, and he now faces the consequences of a life sentence.
In addition to the life sentence, Mahadeo has been mandated to serve a minimum of 15 years before being eligible for parole.
State Counsel Marisa Edwards, in association with State Counsel Abiola Lowe and State Counsel Mikel Puran, presented the case on behalf of the prosecution. Mahadeo was represented by Attorney-at-Law Clyde Forde.