43-Y-O jailed for sexually exploiting 15-Y-O

March 9 2026

A 43-year-old construction worker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of sexually exploiting a 15-year-old girl, in a case that the High Court said underscores the seriousness of offences against minors.

The sentence was imposed by Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif at the High Court in Essequibo.

The court rejected the convict’s explanations for the relationship and stressed that the law offers clear protection to children.

The convicted man, Asif Mohamed Abrahim, became acquainted with the teenage girl in 2023.

According to evidence presented during the proceedings, the interaction initially began as a friendship but soon became intimate.

The court heard that Abrahim, who is from Region Three, engaged in sexual activity with the underage girl.

Prosecutor Caressa Henry told the court that the accused exploited the family’s financial vulnerability to gain access to the child.

The prosecution outlined that Abrahim provided food and money to the family while maintaining the relationship with the teenager.

During the proceedings, it was also revealed that Abrahim had a prior conviction involving the same victim. In that earlier matter, he had been sentenced to 48 months in prison for trafficking the girl to Region Three.

The court was told that in that instance he facilitated other men having sexual relations with the teenager in exchange for money.

During the hearing, Abrahim attempted to defend his actions by claiming that her parents had granted him permission for the relationship.

However, Justice Chandra-Hanif dismissed that explanation, making it clear that cultural practices or parental consent cannot override the laws designed to protect children.

The judge emphasised that the victim was legally a minor and that accepting such a justification would undermine the legal safeguards established to protect children from sexual exploitation.

Prosecutor Henry also reminded the court that sexual activity with a person under the age of 16 is a serious criminal offence under the law and can carry severe penalties.

Abrahim was represented by attorney Tonza Sarrabo during the court proceedings.