‘Uncle Pappi’ jailed for 10 years over rape of 11-year-old girl
Forty-year-old Chandralall Lakhraj, who was found guilty last month on two counts of sexual assault on an 11-year-old girl, was on Tuesday slapped with a 10-year jail sentence.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Brassington Reynolds in the Berbice High Court.
Last month, Lakhraj, also known as ‘Uncle Pappi,’ was convicted of engaging in sexual penetration with the minor between September 1 and October 9, 2019.
He was also convicted of engaging in sexual penetration with her during the same period by causing her to touch his penis. He had denied both charges.
In her victim impact statement, the victim said the incident had changed her for life, noting that she stays far away from men.
Justice Reynolds on Tuesday sentenced Lakhraj to 10 years imprisonment and ordered that it run concurrently. Thus, he will only serve 10 years.
According to the High Court Judge, Lakhraj violated the bodily integrity of the girl, causing her indignity and trauma.
To this end, he condemned what he described as the “despicable actions” by the convicted rapist while noting that such behaviours will not be tolerated, especially from “big men” who prey on “little girls.”
Media reports are that between September 1 and October 9, 2019, Lakhraj had the 11-year-old girl stroke his penis. He had also inserted his fingers into her vagina.
Following the act, the minor confided in her teacher and related what transpired, which resulted in the 40-year-old man being arrested.
Attorney-at-Law Chandra Sohan represented Lakhraj, while State Counsel Nafeeza Baig appeared for the prosecution.
