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Former Chronicle photographer handed two-year suspended sentence for sexual assault charge
(Kaieteur News) – Former Guyana Chronicle Chief Photographer, Vishawamnauth “Adrian” Narine, on Thursday, was handed a two-year suspended sentence by Magistrate Orinthia Schmidt at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, following the conclusion of a sexual assault case in which the victim received compensation.
Former Guyana Chronicle Chief Photographer, Vishawamnauth “Adrian” Narine
However, confusion later arose regarding the court’s ruling. On Friday, Kaieteur News was informed that there had been a misunderstanding between the information initially provided by the victim and police, and the magistrate’s actual decision.
On Friday, the Principal Magistrate clarified that Narine was given a two-year suspended sentence, not that the case had been struck out, and that earlier media reports on the matter were inaccurate.
Sexual assault cases are heard in chamber and as such, reporters are not privy to arguments and statements made therein and rely heavily on counsel to indicate what transpired. On Thursday, when court proceedings began, journalists were escorted outside the court room.
Consequently, journalists were informed by the police prosecutor and the victim that compensation had been accepted, and that the matter was concluded. Later, the police prosecutor further informed this publication that Narine’s family was expected to return to court at 13:00hrs to deliver the compensation to the victim, ending the matter.
However, it was subsequently confirmed that additional proceedings occurred after the compensation was handed over. During those proceedings, Magistrate Schmidt ruled that Narine would serve a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he will not be imprisoned unless he commits a similar offence within that period. If such an offence occurs, Narine will be sent to prison immediately for two years.
Narine was originally arraigned in August 2024 before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore on two counts of sexual assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. The charges stemmed from incidents in December 2023, when a female colleague reported that Narine had sexually assaulted her twice. Following the complaint, the management of the Guyana Chronicle placed Narine on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation in collaboration with police.
On September 25, 2025, Magistrate Azore found Narine guilty of one of the charges, specifically relating to an incident on December 22, 2023. He was represented by attorneys Jermaine Jervis and Bernard Da Silva.
When he first appeared in court, Narine was granted $100,000 bail, with conditions preventing him from contacting or approaching the victim.
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- Chronicle photographer, compensation, convicted, sexual assault, suspended sentence, Vishwanauth Narine
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