Taxi drivers gets 12 years for rape of girl, 11

Evon Barker, a 32-year-old taxi driver from Linden, Region 10 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after confessing to raping a minor girl.

The distressing incident unfolded in February 2022 when the family of the 11-year-old girl entrusted Barker's services for transportation. Instead of taking the child to her intended destination, Barker diverted and sexually assaulted her.

Appearing before the Demerara High Court last Thursday, Barker faced severe reprimand from Justice Sandil Kissoon for his abhorrent criminal behaviour.

Despite Barker’s claim of ignorance regarding the girl’s age, Justice Kissoon dismissed this defence as “unacceptable”. 

Barker was acquainted with the victim and had a prior romantic involvement with her elder sister, according to a probation report.

During his court appearance, Barker pleaded for forgiveness, expressing remorse and admitting his mistakes.

In her impact statement, the survivor expressed a sense of relief with the outcome of the case. However, she also revealed the profound emotional toll the incident had taken on her, including thoughts of suicide and a loss of trust in males.

Before delivering the sentence, Justice Kissoon emphasised the heightened standard of conduct expected from individuals in public service roles like hire car drivers due to the trust bestowed upon them by the public.

Initially facing an 18-year sentence, Barker received a one-third reduction (six years) for his early guilty plea, in accordance with established sentencing guidelines.

As part of his sentence, Barker is mandated to attend sex offender rehabilitation programmes during his imprisonment.

Barker, who has a four-year-old daughter and a pregnant wife, was represented by Attorney-at-Law Ronald Bostwick.

Senior State Counsel Nafeeza Baig and State Counsel Latifah Elliot prosecuted.