BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE maximum sentence that could be given for a sexual offence was handed down to a man who was found guilty of indecently assaulting a 12-year-old girl.
Serving this sentence is 29-year-old Sherwin "Sammy" Williams who, despite the guilty verdict, maintained his innocence, stating at his sentencing hearing that "I have no idea what the virtual complainant is talking about".
According to the facts of the case, Williams entered the victim's residence sometime around 3:00 a.m. and, while was asleep with her younger brothers, indecently assaulted her.
It is said that at the time of the incident the victim's mother who is also a member of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Defence Force was away at the Music Festival.
He appeared before His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas last Thursday (May 17) at the Basseterre High Court for sentencing for an offence that was committed on June 27, 2010.
"I want to apologise to the victim and her mother for putting them through such grievance but I still remain innocent. I never did the crime but I would like leniency," Williams told the Court.
The convict said that he has a mother at home with no legs since 2010 and he also has a 9-year-old son that he needs to look after and that he would like a chance.
He also stressed that he has asthma and that he has had to be sleeping under a bed in prison due to it being overcrowded.
Making reference to Williams' Social Inquiry Report, the judge said that it painted a picture of a person with an appalling attitude who has a problem respecting persons in authority.
Justice Thomas told Williams that the crime in itself is a serious one but it is more serious because of the age of the victim.
"How did you get into the people’s house at 3:00 a.m.?" the judge asked.
Justice Thomas said that the trend of “big men and young girls” seemed to be the order of the day and that it was also on the increase.
He said that the court cannot predict the level of injury received by the child be it psychological or physical and that even though Williams had no previous convictions, the nature of the crime and the age of the victim could not go unconsidered.
"The children are indeed our future and people like you cannot be allowed to destroy it,” the judge said. Williams was then given 10 years imprisonment.
