Gabriella Allen, called “Gabby” of Lot 26 Buck Hill, Wismar, Linden, was on Monday sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for raping a young girl.
She was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court.
After a rape allegation was made, this prompted an investigation by the police and Allen was arrested on August 15, 2021. Prior to her incarceration, Allen was employed at a daycare center.
She was charged for rape of a child under the age of 16, contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03. On February 22, 2023, a jury unanimously found Allen guilty of the indictment which she had denied.
After she was convicted, the court had ordered that Allen undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
In one of the victim’s impact statements, the mother of the child outlined very vivid details about the child’s changed behavior following the incident. She noted that the incident left her daughter with deep psychological issues. The mother, who had appeared distraught, told the court that she is now fearful to leave her daughter in the care of people given her emotional scars.
Guyana Standard had reported that Allen maintained her innocence during an interview with a probation officer. She claimed that the allegations formed part of a “set up” as she does not know the victims personally. Her probation report outlined that she had a rough childhood as well. She was forced to be on her own at 15 years of age. Allen also related to officials that she was physically and verbally abused by her mother.
