East Berbice man gets 20 years for raping child

Jan 01, 2020 News

An East Coast Berbice man who was on trial for raping a child under 16 years old, was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in jail. The child was eight years old.

Jairam Ramgolam

The man, Jairam Ramgoolam, 44, of No. 11 Corentyne, Berbice, was on Monday handed the sentence by Justice Brassington Reynolds after he was found guilty by a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court. The incident was reportedly committed on April 21, 2019.
The man was unmarried and lived with a brother and sister-in-law.
Attorney-at-law Seeta Bishundial presented the state’s case. The accused was unrepresented.
The man was found guilty earlier and a probation report was ordered. That report was presented by Probation and Social Services Officer, Judith Vankennie.
The report stated that Ramgoolam was a school dropout. He was unskilled and unemployed. He got his meals from a neighbour and a step-sister who lived in the same village. He was said to be a regular drinker.
The probation officer mentioned that after the incident, the victim was so affected that when visitors came to their house she would stay upstairs. She does not want to see the accused anymore.
Throughout the trial, the accused maintained his innocence and stated that his sister-in-law wanted to set him up because she wanted him to come out of the house.
The rapist said he and the victim shared a loving relationship and they played together. However, the victim denied any such thing.
Prosecutor Bishundial told the court that the accused should be put away for a long time. She said that he robbed the girl of her childhood and his action was more of a criminal. She asked the court that the sentence should send a strong message to those who might be like-minded.
At the time of the incident, the accused was living by his brother. He never showed any remorse after the incident. Even though he was found guilty, he still maintained his innocence.
Before the sentence was passed, Ramgoolam said, “I am sorry.”
Before passing sentence, Justice Reynolds said he noted the manner in which the offence was committed.
“Although, it is reported that you are a school dropout, you are a big man and have your own sense.
I hope you benefit from counseling and hope you reflect on your actions while in prison.” Justice Reynolds told the convict.

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