A barber has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping his 14-year-old neighbour at her home in February 2023.

His name is being withheld to protect the child’s identity. A jury convicted him in July.

The girl told the court she was alone preparing for dance practice when the man arrived asking for her aunt. After learning her aunt was away, he forced his way inside and raped her, ignoring her pleas to stop.

Victim impact statements detailed continuing panic attacks, flashbacks and difficulty trusting others despite therapy. The child also missed school, struggled academically and withdrew from social activities.

The judge increased an initial 16-year sentence to 18 years because of the man’s lack of remorse and attempts to blame the victim, then deducted two years for good character. He also received credit for 151 days spent in custody.

The man maintained his innocence, but the jury rejected his account.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Barber Sentenced to 16 Years for Raping 14-Year-Old Neighbour.