15 years and 15 strokes for sex with minor

In the San Fernando High Court a man  who was found guilty of sexual intercourse with a girl under 14 years old was sentenced to 15 years in jail with 15 strokes in the San Fernando High Court.

Vernon Mahadeo, 41, of Charlieville, was sentenced by Justice Herbert Volney in the San Fernando Second Assizes. Mahadeo, represented by attorney Ian Suekeran, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to prosecutor Narissa Ramsundar, Mahadeo’s victim was a 13-year -old girl of Arena Road, Freeport, who was closely acquainted with him and referred to him as “Uncle”.  The crime was committed on March 20, 1998, when Mahadeo picked up the victim and her aunt and took them to the dentist. The dentist was not in his office and the three left.

Mahadeo told them he was going to the mechanic and the victim agreed to go with him. The aunt was dropped off. However, instead of going to the mechanic, he drove to a building on the Southern Main Road, Couva, where he had sexual intercourse with the girl.  The court also heard that Mahadeo threatened to kill the victim if she told anyone what had happened.  The girl later told her mother and they reported the matter to the Couva Police Station.  Five State witnesses, including two police officers, a scientific officer, a medical doctor and the victim, gave evidence for the prosecution.