Guyanese teacher admits sexual exploitation of girl in Bermuda

A teacher has admitted in the Supreme Court to sexual offences against a young girl

Ronald Forde, 38, pleaded guilty last week to charges that he sexually exploited a young person while in a position of trust, lured a young person while in a position of trust and accessed child pornography. The offences are understood to have taken place this year.
According to the Royal Gazette in Bermuda, Forde, a Guyanese who lived in Southampton, was scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday last, but Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe granted an application by Elizabeth Christopher, defence counsel, to adjourn the sentencing.
“The prosecutors are asking for quite a substantial sentence,” Mr Justice Wolffe said, stating he would grant the adjournment in light of the gravity of the offence.
He added: “I want to get this matter dealt with as soon as possible, not just for the defendant but for the victim in this case.”
Cindy Clarke, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said it would mark the first sentencing of a defendant for luring while in a position of trust, which meant that it would establish a precedent for the sentencing range.
Under amendments to the Criminal Code introduced in 2020, the offence carries a maximum of a 15-year sentence on indictment and a five-year sentence on summary conviction. Forde was remanded in custody until December 11, when he will return to the court for sentencing.
The teacher made headlines in 2011 after he was accused of raping his underage student in Berbice. In 2014 he was wanted for a similar offence and had told the media he was being framed.
It was reported that the in 2012, Justice James Bovell-Drakes discharged the matter in which Forde formerly of Bel Air, West Coast Berbice (WCB), was on trial before a jury.
He was charged with four counts, including sexual activity with a child and abusing his position of privilege.