A rape victim’s desire of having her abuser put away became a reality on Tuesday after her abuser was sentenced to 29 years in prison on four rape-related charges by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court.
Fifty-two-year-old Gingesh Khan also called “Links” was recently found guilty by a 12-member jury on three counts of indecent assault and one count of carnal knowledge on a child under the age of 15 years. The offences were committed between August 1 and 31, 2008, at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo. Khan’s sentencing was handed down on Tuesday to accommodate a probation report.
In court on Tuesday, the report presented by a senior probation officer revealed that Khan was unemployed prior to his incarceration as he depended on financial support from a sibling, who is a businessperson.
The court was further informed that persons in the community described Khan as disorderly when he is intoxicated but is otherwise a quiet person. The court also heard that the accused is also known for being involved in sexual acts with cattle as residents voiced that he was not a “positive influence” in the village.
The report was followed by an emotional statement written and presented by the victim, who was nine years old at the time of the incident. The statement revealed that she had much respect and trust for the accused but what he did to her caused suicidal thoughts, which eventually led to the victim’s parents moving her to a different community since she was hurt, embarrassed and ashamed.
“I felt hurt, ashamed and embarrassed about what he did to me…. I had trust and respect for him and I can remember having suicidal thoughts, everyone in the village know what he did to me,” the victim said in her statement.
Meanwhile, Defence Attorney Ravindra Mohabir in his plea of mitigation told the court that his client has been unemployed due to a back injury sustained on his previous job, thus, he needs physical therapy. Mohabir further divulged that his client was charged for bestiality but the charge was later dismissed.
Justice Reynolds, in handing down the sentence, told the accused that he breached the trust of both the victim and her family, and groomed and defiled her in the vilest way. On this note, the Judge described Khan as a “sick man”, while handing down the 29-year sentence. Khan was ordered to benefit from the appropriate treatment while being incarcerated.
The State’s case was presented by Prosecutors Seeta Bishundial and Lisa Cave.
