‘Devil’ gets life sentence for raping girl with a disability

Rondell Chappel, called “Devil”, was on Monday sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years for raping a 15-year-old girl with a disability.

Chappel, 35, of ‘A’ Field Sophia, was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

Last month a 12-member jury found Chappel guilty of raping the girl between September 5-6, 2020.

According to the case facts, between September 5-6 ,2020, Chappel broke into the victim’s home while she was alone. Chappel held the victim at knifepoint and raped her.

The State was represented by prosecutors Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry and Marisa Edwards. Chappel was represented by attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir.

In his sentencing remarks, the Judge said that he considered the physical and psychological harm Chappel caused the victim.

He also considered that Chappel lacked genuine remorse for his actions.

Justice Kissoon said he considered the “gruesome and heinous” aggravating factors of the case which led to him imposing the life sentence on the convict.

Chappel will have to serve a minimum of 20 years before he is eligible for parole.