Two rapists get life imprisonment

Jul 14, 2023 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

– one not eligible for parole, other after 30 years

Kaieteur News – Wesley Bazil called “Trappy”, a shopkeeper, was on Thursday sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old girl.

After he was found guilty of the crime, last month, Bazil had attempted suicide in court. On Thursday, he was sentenced by High Court Judge Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court.

Wesley Bazil

At the sentencing hearing, 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.

Also, the victim impact statement was read to the court. The victim said that being sexually assaulted was the most traumatising 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.

According to reports, during the month of December 2020, the child would visit Bazil’s shop where he sexually assaulted her. During 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. Two months later, the child’s parents found messages in her phone with her confiding in a friend about being sexually assaulted by Bazil.

In this case, the State was represented by prosecutors Nefeeza Baig, Tiffani Lyken and Praneta Seeraj. In her address to the court, State Prosecutor, Tiffani 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 deter like-minded offenders.

For his part, Justice Singh in his remarks highlighted that Bazil pleaded not guilty to the charges, which resulted in the victim going to trial. 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.

Last month, 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 state for medical attention.