Life sentence for man who raped girl with down syndrome

A man who was found guilty in absentia last month for raping a girl with down syndrome has been sentenced to serve life imprisonment by High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon.

The jail time was imposed on Monday afternoon.

Rondell Chappel, 36, called ‘Devil’ of Section “A” Sophia, Greater Georgetown was found guilty by a jury for the offence of engaging in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16.

Following deliberations on November 23, a mixed 12-member jury found Chappel unanimously guilty of the offence. He raped the 15-year-old girl between September 5 and 6, 2020.

Chappel had absconded his trial at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara.

Between the dates mentioned in the charge, the teenager was at home alone, when Chappel, who was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, broke into the dwelling through a window and raped her at knifepoint.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, State Counsel Caressa Henry and State Counsel Marisa Edwards prosecuted the matter, while defence attorney Ravindra Mohabir represented Chappel.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Chappel is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers: 225-6940, 225-8196, 226-7476, 225-2317, 227-1149, or the nearest Police station.

The convicted rapist has to serve 20 years before becoming eligible for parole.