Orlando Roberts jailed for life for raping 9-Y-O Girl

A mason has received a life sentence for the rape of a nine-year-old girl. Upon serving a minimum of 18 years, he will be eligible for parole.  The crime was committed on July 4, 2022.

Orland Roberts, 40, was sentenced to prison on Thursday by Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon, who described his unlawful behaviour as “abominable.”

He had inserted his penis into the nine-year-old’s vagina as she was sleeping at her house.

Both the child, who woke up in the middle of the attack, and her younger sister, who saw the attack, gave testimony in court about the horrific molestation.

When the younger sister spotted Roberts in the act and began to cry out for help, Roberts threatened to rape her as well.

Justice Kissoon emphasised in his sentencing remarks the seriousness of the offence and the judiciary’s persistent resolve to address it.

Both the convict and his attorney, Jermaine Jarvis, attempted to blame Roberts’ atrocities on excessive drinking; however, the judge pointed out that such horrible acts against innocent children of brutality had no excuse.

The medical report said that the little girl had lacerations and blunt force trauma to her vagina; also, her hymen was not intact.

In her impact statement, the rape survivour revealed the effect the horrific incident had on her life. She begged the judge to condemn Roberts, whom she and her family knew, to life in jail.

During a plea in mitigation, Attorney Jarvis begged Justice Kissoon to give his client, a “strong Christian,” another opportunity at life.

When granted the chance to address the court, the convicted rapist stood before the judge and expressed regret for his actions.

“Please another chance and forgiveness,” he pleaded.

Justice Kissoon emphasised that the child molester should receive a severe punishment—one that will serve as a deterrent—in view of the circumstances.

As result, the judge imposed a life sentence on the rapist.  During Roberts’ detention, the court also mandated that he participate in programmes for alcoholics and sex offenders.

This felon has also been credited for time spent on remand.  The case for the prosecution was presented by State Counsel Nafeeza Baig and State Counsel Latifah Elliot.