By Latrishka Thomas
A 51-year-old man facing sentencing for repeatedly raping his minor daughter has had his case adjourned after his lawyer suggested the defendant’s actions stem from a “disease” rooted in childhood trauma.
The man, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to four counts of incest occurring between 2014 and 2015. The crimes resulted in the victim becoming pregnant at just 15 years old.
During yesterday’s hearing, defence attorney Wendel Alexander requested more time to review the probation report and potentially arrange a psychological evaluation for his client.
Alexander acknowledged the “very gruesome” nature of the case but argued that his client’s behaviour was influenced by abuse he suffered at the hands of his own father.
The defendant reportedly saw a psychologist at age 12 due to his difficult upbringing.
The victim, now 26, had previously revealed a history of abuse that began when she was 11. She initially reported the abuse to her school counsellor, leading to police involvement and her removal from the home.
However, the defendant manipulated her into recanting her statement, allowing the abuse to continue.
The court heard shocking details of the abuse, including an incident in June 2014 when the intoxicated defendant assaulted her outside their home.
The abuse persisted even after the victim became pregnant and gave birth, exacerbating her post-partum condition.
The case, which had stalled in the legal system since an initial arrest in 2015, was revived in 2021 when the victim sought child support from the defendant.
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Shannon Jones-Gittens, yesterday informed Justice Ann Marie Smith that the maximum sentence for each count of incest is 15 years imprisonment.
She highlighted aggravating factors including the repeated nature of the crimes, ejaculation, and abuse while the victim was still healing from childbirth.
Jones-Gittens also noted the defendant’s failure to support the child and the derailment of the victim’s life.
Justice Smith adjourned the sentencing until July 29, allowing time for further evaluation.
The defendant, who has been on remand for approximately 527 days, may be sentenced at the next hearing.
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