BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A 33-year-old Sandy Pointer, Denrick 'Saddam' Jeffers was on Thursday (July 19) given a prison sentence of 10 years for the rape of a female.
Jeffers was, on July 5, convicted by a 12-member jury of rape, an offence that was committed on April 17, 2011.
Represented by Attorney-at-Law Chesley Hamilton, Jeffers called two persons to speak on his behalf before being handed his sentence.
One of his former teachers described Jeffers as one who was very obedient, quiet respectful and one who exemplified good behaviour.
"This is a gentleman who has much to contribute to, not only the Sandy Point community, but to the St. Kitts and Nevis society. Yes he has been convicted of rape but I ask that you show some mercy on him," the teacher said.
One of his family members also described him as a hard working and quiet individual, noting that he is "an easy going gentleman".
Kindly grant him a non custodial sentence and if he must be given a prison sentence, kindly grant him a short sentence so that he can go home to his family and serve his community and country," the person begged.
Hamilton also spoke on Jeffers' behalf, stating that he [Jeffers] is a very qualified young man, having done studies in environmental health sciences.
He said that Jeffers has potential for rehabilitation and that he could contribute meaningfully on the outside.
“He is not one who just wants to take from society but give back to society. He is one who has shown that he wants to be a part of society," Hamilton explained.
Hamilton asked the judge to take the mitigating factors and put them against the aggravating factors and hand down a sentence that is merciful.
Jeffers' Social Inquiry Report stated that he showed remorse for what took place and that he regretted seeing his young life "gone down the drain".
It described him as one of the bright futures of the Federation with a profession that could benefit society.
Before passing sentence, His Lordship Justice Errol Thomas said that there is one law for all regardless of one's profession or qualification.
His Lordship said that there were a number of things that needed to be taken into consideration including the nature of the offence, the manner and commission of the act, and the fact that tremendous violence was used.
"There is nothing stated that makes this case special. There has to be custodial sentence," the judge said.
Jeffers was then given 10 years imprisonment.
