Wesley Bazil called “Trappy” who had attempted to kill himself in court when he was found guilty last month, was sentenced to life without possibility of parole for raping a 15-year-old girl.
Bazil was sentenced by High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court for rape and sexual activity committed on the girl.
According to reports, during the month of December 2020, the child would visit Bazil’s shop to purchase items but during those instances he sexually assaulted her. The situation allegedly got even worse in the month of January 2021. The child was sent to Bazil’s shop and when she arrived, Bazil took her to the back of his yard and raped her.
About two months later, the child’s parents found messages in her phone with her confiding in a friend about being sexually assaulted by Bazil.
At the sentencing hearing on Thursday, the victim impact statement was read to the court. The victim said that being sexually assaulted was the most traumatizing experience which has impacted her life. The victim also told the court that being sexually assaulted affected her to the point where she dropped out of school and engaged in self-harm. The court also heard that she frequently ran away from home.
In this case, the state was represented by prosecutors Nefeeza Baig, Tiffani Lyken and Praneta Seeraj.
In her address to the court State Prosecutor Lyken, reminded the court of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. She even asked the court to impose a sentence that would send a strong message to like-minded offenders.
Notably, the court also heard that Bazil was convicted of a similar crime in New Jersey, United States, and after serving his time he was deported to Guyana.
Justice Singh in his remarks highlighted that Bazil pleaded not guilty to the charges, thus “dragging the child through a trial knowing fully what he did to her.”
The judge called Bazil a calculated predator who showed no remorse for what he has done to the child.
Justice Singh then imposed the life sentence on Bazil, noting that he is not eligible for parole.
On June 7, a 12-member jury found Bazil guilty of two counts of rape. The jury returned with the verdict some three hours after deliberating.
After the verdict was announced, Bazil attempted suicide. He took out a razor blade, and attempted to slit his own throat. However, swift action by the court officers averted a tragedy.
Bazil was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious for medical attention.
