An 18-year-old man was this this morning sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of engaging in oral sex with a seven-year-old boy.
The teenager, who committed the act when he was just 14, was sentenced by Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara.
Guyana Standard understands that between December 1 and 24, 2015, the little boy was left alone with the teenager when he asked him to suck his penis.
The boy refused and as a result, the teenager locked the door and forced his penis into his mouth. This occured twice during that period.
The judge imposed a sentence of one year and six months for the first count and two years on the second count. The sentences are to be served concurrently.
The child later complained to her parents and a report was made to the police.
Although he was found guilty by a jury on both counts, based on certain provisions in Juvenile Offenders Act, they will not be recorded as convictions.
Under that same Act also, the maximum penalty that can be imposed for such offences is five years imprisonment.
Justice Barlow ordered that the teenager is to undergo counseling for young sexual offenders while incarcerated.
Further to that, one week after he is scheduled to be released from custody he has to report to the Ministry of Social Protection Probation Department to undergo additional counseling and supervision.
He also has to enroll in the skills training programme under that Ministry. Failure to adhere to the court’s orders will see him being further imprisoned for a year.
In his address to the court, the19-year-old said, “I am sorry for my actions that took place. I am asking you to be lenient with me and I am sorry.”
Teriq Mohamed and Mandel Moore appeared for the State; while lawyer Folio Richards represented the teenager.
