Rapist of child, 12, gets 25 years jail

A man was yesterday sentenced to 25 years in jail after a jury found him guilty of raping a 12-year-old child.

Colin Bess was convicted of the charge that he engaged in sexual penetration of the child on April 2, 2013, in the County of Demerara.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Colin Bess
Colin Bess

When given a chance to speak, a barely audible Bess said, “I’m not guilty. I’m innocent of this charge.”

In his brief reprimand to the convict, Justice Navindra Singh, who presided over the trial, sternly cautioned Bess that he should protect children, not cause harm.

“You’re a bad man. You should have protected children,” the judge asserted before informing Bess that he was being sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The 12-member jury returned a unanimous verdict after about two hours of deliberation.

The trial commenced on Monday and concluded yesterday after five witnesses were called to the stand. The proceedings were held in camera.

Bess was unrepresented by counsel. Meanwhile, the state was represented by Prosecutors Narissa Leander and Michael Shahoud.