PHOTO: Judge Joe S. Barkon
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
The Second Judicial Circuit Court in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa has sentenced a 19-year-old convicted rapist, Prince William to 40 years in jail.
The Court, presided over by it resident Circuit Judge Joe S. Barkon, found defendant Williams guilty for the crime of rape on September 28, 2020.
Williams was arraigned in open court but pleaded not guilty, thereby joining issue with the state.
During his trial, state lawyers produced five general and four rebuttal witnesses, while the convict testified on his own behalf as a lone witness.
On May 10, 2020, the 19-year-old convict Williams allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl, who is a 4th grade student in Grand Bassa district #2.
The survivor on the said date mentioned above, went to wash clothes at a nearby Creek and when she was done with the washing, she decided that take bath in the creek where the convict came from behind her and sexually abused her.
After the wacky act carried out by the convict, the 13year old survivor bled profusely with blood strains running down her leg and later reported the matter to the police where the convict was arrested, investigated, charged and sent to court for the crime of rape.
Meanwhile, human rights and other civil society organizations have lauded the court for the judgement and sentencing of this convicted rapist, something they say will serve as deterrent for would be perpetrators.
Last month after a 3-day massive anti-rape protest in Monrovia and other parts of the country, President George Weah declared rape a National Emergency.