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Life sentence for ex-cop, 53, who raped girl, 3
Deon Aaron (centre, in white shirt) being escorted from the courtroom yesterday
An expressionless Deon Aaron, a former policeman and firefighter was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 20 years, having been convicted two weeks ago for raping a toddler.
The jury, after hours of deliberation found that between March 01, 2016 and October 20, 2016, Aaron, 53, engaged in sexual penetration with a three-year-old girl. The incident occurred on the East Bank of Demerara.
According to information, the little girl was left in Aaron’s care when he violated her by inserting his finger into her vagina. Upon returning home, the girl complained to her mother who reported the incident to the police.
Investigations were carried out and Aaron was arrested and charged.
However, even after the conviction, Aaron professed his innocence. A victim impact statement which was presented by Counsellor Renasha Calendar detailed the victim’s reaction to the crime. The girl, who is now five years of age, told the Counsellor that what Aaron did to her made her feel bad and that he is a bad man.
The child further told the Counsellor that Aaron hurt her and made her cry and that God will sin him.
Nevertheless, a Probation report revealed that Aaron held no stable employment and worked in several posts to sustain himself. According to the report, he worked as a pump attendant, bus conductor, labourer, and most recently as a security guard.
Furthermore, it was stated in the Probation Report that Aaron’s children and neighbours are shocked at the crime for which he was convicted, since to them, he is an exemplary father, well-respected man and a disciplinarian who would not harm anyone.
During a plea in mitigation, Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay asked the court to consider the fact that the probation report highlighted that children were left in Aaron’s care, and never had they accused him of being abusive.
Despite the jury’s verdict, Aaron had maintained his innocence. When asked by Justice Jo Ann Barlow if he had anything to say, Aaron noted, “I am innocent of this.” However, Justice Barlow told Aaron that he had already been found guilty of the offence and that the court is not concerned with his lack of remorse.
In the circumstances, she imposed the life sentence, and informed Aaron that he would not become eligible for parole until after serving 20 years. The judge also ordered that Aaron be exposed to any programmes facilitated by the prison service for persons who have been convicted for sexual offences.
The case for the State was presented by Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken, Abigail Gibbs and Seeta Bishundial.
Attorney-at-Law Madan Kissoon, who represented Aaron throughout his trial, requested a probation report. The case for the State was presented by Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs, Seeta Bishundial and Tiffin Lyken.
Trial Judge Jo Ann Barlow adjourned sentencing for Aaron until November 8, when the probation report and views of the victim will be presented to the court. Aaron was committed to stand trial for the offence in March of this year, after Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman found there was sufficient evidence against him.
The convicted had been released on $200,000 bail pending trial.
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