Life imprisonment for man who raped teen girl at knifepoint

A Corentyne, Berbice man was sentenced to life in prison for the rape of a 13-year-old girl at knifepoint.

Mohamed Khan, 51, was sentenced by Justice Priya Sewnarine- Beharry at the New Amsterdam High Court on Thursday.

The Judge, in her ruling, said the court must send a strong message to those who may want to commit similar crimes.

She also took into consideration the psychological trauma, pain and suffering faced by the victim and that Khan showed no remorse for the crime.

He will be eligible for parole after serving thirty-five years of his life sentence.

In September 2014, in a small Corenyne community, the then 13-year-old victim was sent to run an errand by her mother when she was lured by Khan into his yard under the pretext of giving her an item.

The teen had initially refused, however, he again attempted to give her another item and as the young girl stood and waited outside of the house, Khan grabbed her, locked the door and forced himself on her at knifepoint.

After committing the act, he threatened to kill the teen if she told anyone.

The teenager confined in her mother who made a report to the Police.

During the trial and after the sentencing, Khan maintained his innocence.