GTI Student jailed 10 years for sexual activity with underage girl

A 21-year-old man from Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berice) studying business
administration at the Government Technical Institute (GTI), has been given a 10-year prison term for
engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl.

Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon imposed the custodial punishment on Thursday.

Joshua Lawrence, who confessed to two counts of sexual activity with a minor, initially faced a 15- year jail sentence. However, the judge reduced the punishment by one-third (five years) considering Lawrence’s early admission of guilt, in accordance with established sentencing guidelines.

The charges stated that he sexually assaulted the young girl on two occasions: first between February 1 and February 28, 2021, and again between March 8 and March 9 of the same year.

It was revealed that the teenage girl and Lawrence, who was 18 at the time, knew each other.

Ultimately, Lawrence received a 10-year prison sentence for each of the two charges, to be served concurrently. This sex offender was also given credit for time he spent in pre-trial custody.

Furthermore, Justice Kissoon mandated the prison service to provide Lawrence with skill training in a field of his choice to assist in his rehabilitation.

Attorney Ronald Bostwick defended Lawrence, while State Counsel Madana Rampersaud and State
Counsel Praneta Seeraj represented the prosecution.