Former police officer Wayde Padmore was on Monday found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.
Padmore, 28, was on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court for three counts of rape of a child under 16, sexual activity with a child under 16, and causing a child to view a sexual act.
He had denied the charge which alleged that between December 02 and 31,2019 he engaged in sexual penetration with a 13-year-old.
The two other charges alleged that Padmore, during October 2020, engaged in sexual activity with the victim and also caused her to watch him ejaculate when she was 14.
A 12-member jury was on Monday unable to arrive at a verdict for the first offence, and Padmore will have to be retried at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.
However, he was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity victim and was remanded to prison until November 25, for sentencing. Padmore was found not guilty of the last count.
The State was represented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Paneeta Persaud. Padmore was represented by attorney, Clyde Forde.
In February, Padmore was first tried before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. However, the 12-member jury failed to reach a verdict.
According to prosecution facts, Padmore was a frequent visitor at the victim’s home.
It is alleged that during the month of December 2019, Padmore allegedly raped the victim during one of his visits.
It is further alleged that during the month of October 2020, he attempted to rape the victim a second time. However, Padmore was unsuccessful and proceeded to masturbate while in the presence of the child.
I am happy that this ex-policeman has been found guilty of his crimes. After all, no one is above the law.. I hope that final judgement prevails and that that judgement would serve as a deterrant to others who might think of committing such a heinous crime.