Interdicted police officer, Wayde Padmore was on Friday sentenced to 10 years in jail for raping a 14-year-old girl.
Padmore, 28, formerly of Lamaha Park, Georgetown was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.
Last month, Padmore was on trial before a 12-member jury 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.
The jury could not 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 with the teen.
The State was represented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Paneeta Persaud. Padmore was represented by attorney, Clyde Forde.
During the sentencing hearing on Friday, Padmore’s probation report was read in court by a probation officer.
In the report, Padmore maintained his innocence and told the probation officer that the rape claim was fabricated by the victim.
In his sentencing remarks, the Judge said that he considered the physical and psychological harm Padmore caused the victim.
He also considered that Padmore lacked genuine remorse for his actions.
Among other things, the Judge said that sexual violence against minors in our society has reached a “dangerous point,” which is a cause for concern.
Justice Kissoon told the interdicted officer that he had brought “shame and disgrace” upon his uniform when he was supposed to serve and protect.
However, instead, Padmore performed a “horrific act” on a voiceless member of society.
In the end, the Judge sentenced Padmore to serve 10 years behind bars for the crime.
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.
