NA Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Rape

Anthony Patterson, 34, a New Amsterdam resident, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl.

Justice Sandil Kissoon handed down the sentence at the Berbice High Court, after Patterson pleaded guilty to the charge.

Patterson was arrested on April 21, 2024, after allegedly luring the young girl into his home and forcing himself on her.

He was denied bail and remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison as he awaited the outcome of the preliminary inquiry.

After the inquiry concluded, the court found that a prima facie case had been established, and he was committed to stand trial for the offence at the High Court in Berbice.

During sentencing, Patterson denied committing the crime. He pleaded desperately for leniency, telling the court, “I just want to say sorry.

Justice Kissoon highlighted the severity of the offence, noting the victim was a vulnerable child who suffered significant trauma.

The judge emphasised that Patterson violated the trust placed in him by the young girl.

He also stressed the lasting emotional and psychological effects that sexual offences can have on minors.

Justice Kissoon cautioned that sexual offences against children are on the rise nationwide and stressed that the court will not turn a blind eye to such crimes.