Man gets 44-year jail sentence for raping 10-year-old

Errol De Souza, who was on trial for raping a young girl on two occasions, was on Thursday sentenced to 44 years’ imprisonment by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow after he was found guilty by a jury.
According to the facts on the matter, the first act occurred between January 1 and 31, 2013, when the child was 10; and the second was committed on May 3, 2014, when the victim was 11.
De Souza’s lawyer, Ravindra Mohabir, had requested a probation report prior to Thursday’s sentencing. According to that probation report, the accused denied committing the act while informing the court that he has fathered more than 10 children.
The attorney pleaded for his client to be afforded a lenient sentence, since he noted that De Souza is the sole breadwinner for his family.
In handing down her sentence, Justice Barlow noted that the victim’s trust was betrayed by De Souza, who took advantage of the situation.
As such, he was given 20 years for the first count, and 24 years for the latter of the charges. These sentences are expected to run concurrently.
The accused has also been ordered to undergo counselling.
Attorneys Lisa Cave, Seeta Bishundial and Lisa Martin prosecuted the case. The incident occurred at a location in the county of Essequibo.