‘Ratty’ gets 17 years for raping girl, 9

Mario Heywood, called “Ratty”, was on Wednesday sentenced to 17 years in jail for three counts of rape committed on a 9-year-old girl in 2018.

Heywood, 39, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

Last month a 12-member jury found Heywood guilty of the three counts of rape committed between October 1, 2018, and November 20, 2018.

The court heard that the child was left in Heywood’s care when he took advantage of her and committed the rapes. Heywood threatened the child that he would kill her mother if she told anyone of the assault.

The State was represented by State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Marisa Edwards. Heywood was represented by represented by attorney-at-law Damien Da Silva.

During Heywood’s sentencing hearing on Wednesday, his probation report was presented in court.

The victim’s mother, who was also interviewed, said that disappointed in the actions of Heywood for the hurt he caused to her daughter.

“When you do the crime, you have to do the time,” the victim’s mother said as she asked the court for justice.

Heywood’s attorney asked the court to place weight on Heywood’s good character which residents in his community, former employers and family attested to.

In his plea of mitigation, the attorney asked the Judge to consider that his client is a prime candidate for rehabilitation.