CoA Reduces Jail Sentence for Convicted Child Rapist

Decmber 20 2024 – The Court of Appeal has upheld the 20-year prison sentence for convicted child rapist Murphy
Noorhan but reduced his total prison time from 40 years to 20 years by ruling that his two sentences
should run concurrently rather than consecutively.

Noorhan was convicted on two counts of sexual activity involving the sexual penetration of a 10- year-old girl, committed between January 4 and 5, 2013. The original sentence, handed down by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on January 8, 2016, imposed a 20-year term for each conviction, to be served consecutively.

The court’s original decision considered several factors, including the severity of the offense,
Noorhan’s breach of his position of trust, and the long-lasting impact his actions had on the victim,
who is now approximately 21 years old. These considerations aimed to reflect the seriousness of the
crime and the enduring trauma the victim has experienced.

During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence of Noorhan’s repeated abuse of the
young girl. His defense attorney, however, maintained that Noorhan was innocent and argued that
imprisonment would only worsen his client’s character.

The defense also questioned the prosecution’s evidence, particularly a medical report that did not
indicate physical bruising on the victim.

Despite the defense's arguments, the trial judge emphasized the growing prevalence of child sexual
abuse and Noorhan’s betrayal of trust when delivering the sentence.

In his appeal, Noorhan was represented by attorneys Gwendolyn Bristol and Sarah Martin, who
argued that the consecutive nature of the sentences was excessive and inconsistent with modern
sentencing practices. On the other hand, Prosecutor Natasha Backer opposed the appeal, arguing
that the sentences were fitting given the gravity of the case and its impact on the victim.

The appellate court, in its ruling, acknowledged that while the 20-year sentences for each conviction
were appropriate, the offenses stemmed from the same incident.

As a result, the court ruled that Noorhan’s sentences should run concurrently rather than
consecutively, effectively reducing his total prison term by half.

Noorhan’s appeal was partially allowed, and the court also ordered that he be credited for time
already served.

The Court of Appeal, consisting of Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-
Edwards, along with Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud, rendered the
decision.