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Pastor get 18 years for raping girl, 6
A pastor has been jailed for 18 years because he raped a six-year-old girl. The sentence was handed down by Justice Jo-ann Barlow following a probation report at the Georgetown High Court, yesterday.
Josiah Baptiste
Josiah Baptiste was convicted for having carnal knowledge of the child between June 1 and June 30, 2007.
The man was at home with the girl and her sibling when the act was committed.
He called the child into a bedroom where he sexually penetrated her. The child later confided in her mother but the mother disbelieved her. The child then told another relative and the matter was reported to the police.
The accused was subsequently arrested and charged. Last month, after more than two hours of deliberations, a mixed 12-member jury returned a guilty verdict against Baptiste for the offence of carnal knowledge. The verdict was unanimous.
However, on that date, Baptiste’s lawyers Attorneys-at-law, Folio Richards and Maxwell Mc Kay made a request for a probation report to be presented to the court prior to the sentencing. The judge acceded to the request.
Yesterday, the report was presented to Justice Barlow in a packed courtroom of the convict’s relatives and those of the victim.
Emotions ran high as the report was presented. The information highlighted the traumatic experience the victim endured at the hands of the accused.
As a result of the incident, the mother’s relationship with her children, particularly her raped daughter, was severed.
The probation report also outlined that Baptiste continues to deny that the incident ever occurred.
He claims that the girl and her brother, who witnessed when the act was committed, had lied on him.
When he was given a chance to speak, the man said that he had nothing to say about the incident. His attorneys, however, told the court that he would like an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
“During his time of incarceration, Baptiste was described as a model prisoner. He has shown signs that he can be rehabilitated,” attorney Richards said.
In considering her sentence, the Judge noted that Baptiste by his actions fractured the most precious relationship— a relationship between a mother and her daughter.
“These persons would have trusted you because you claim to be a man of God,” Justice Barlow stated.
Society must be sent a strong message that such actions will not be condoned, the judge said.
The judge initially sentenced the man to 20 years for the crime but noted that he will only serve 18 years in jail. Two years were deducted for mitigating factors.
Following the ruling, Baptiste’s family members were visibly overcome with emotions as they left the courtroom.
The case was prosecuted by State Attorneys, Shawnette Austin, Tamieka Clarke, and Mandel Moore. The Prosecution called several witnesses to the stand, including the victim.
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